Lavington football director praises Nico Sedgwick's ferocity
Lavington football director Graham Hart has declared recruit Nico Sedgwick's ferocity at the ball is "top shelf" after his impressive return against Myrtleford on Saturday.
In a high standard pre-season clash, Lavington toppled the Saints 10.2 (62) to 6.10 (46) in front of a healthy crowd.
But it was the lightweight Sedgwick who stole the limelight with a frenetic display, reminiscent of another smaller on-baller in Ovens and Murray Team of the Past 25 Years (1993-2018) member, Corowa-Rutherglen's Carl Dickins.
Dickins was something of a surprise when selected on the interchange bench, but he deservedly had a reputation for ferociousness, giving away more than 15 kilograms to some opponents.
"He's (Sedgwick) not a big frame guy, but he's more than competent of winning his own footy, he actually loves it," Hart said.
He's not a big frame guy, but he's more than competent of winning his own footy, he actually loves it. His commitment on the footy is good, it's top shelf and he just showed he's got no problems returning to this level.
Lavington's Graham Hart on Nico Sedgwick
"His commitment on the footy is good, it's top shelf and he just showed he's got no problems returning to this level."
Sedgwick played 21 games for the club as a youngster before spending six years at Hume League powerhouse Brock-Burrum.
Youthful team-mate Jack Kirley was quizzed if Sedgwick's attack on the football was as good as he's seen with the Panthers.
"Yeah definitely, he was hard at it, it definitely helps the team as he gets in and gets the ball out to us," he said.
While it's not unusual for a player to head bush for a short stint before returning to the higher O and M level, it's extremely rare to have what amounts to half a career there.
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However, Sedgwick has given himself every chance to perform by returning in superb condition.
It was the first practice games for both clubs, who will play just the two pre-season matches.
Naturally, neither team was at full strength still a month out from their first competition games, but the strong standard only adds weight to the general consensus the league is in for its best and closest year for at least a decade.