In round 16, the Cats went down to Rumbalara in hope of their fourth win of the season.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Finley started well with Cruz Nash getting them on the board early with an interesting floater that kick started his very impressive game through the midfield.
Jack Yelland and Jack Sexton followed his actions and gave the Cats great looks throughout the day, with Sexton nailing four of his own and Yelland also getting a major to go with a very nice day for both.
The game had ups and downs for both sides, with the Cats going into the halftime break six goal leaders.
Rumba began to claw back in the third, keeping Finley to two goals and some missed opportunities, and nailing three of their own.
That being said, Finley’s defence was rock solid all day with Will Sexton adding some drive and power as he got back to his best and Matt Whelan and Jake Armer provided a brick wall to limit opportunities for Rumba.
The Cats got the game back on their terms in the last quarter, and ran over the top with an eight goal to one quarter.
Final score: Finley 19.15 (129) def Rumbalara 7.6 (48).
Goals: Jack Sexton 4, Vincent Adduci 3, Josh Everingham 3, Cruz Nash 2, Kris Bextream 2, Jordan Taylor 2, Lenny Dattoli 1, Jacob Armer 1, Jack Yelland 1.
Best: Will Sexton, Jack Yelland, Jack Sexton, Cruz Nash, Matt Whelan, Jacob Armer.
Reserves
The reserves produced a dominant display to record an impressive victory over Rumbalara.
From the opening bounce, Finley took control of the contest with relentless pressure, clean ball movement and accurate finishing in front of goal.
The seven-goal opening term gave the Cats a commanding advantage and provided the perfect platform for the rest of the afternoon.
The midfield worked tirelessly to win the contested ball and provide plenty of drive, while the forwards capitalised on their opportunities with strong leading and unselfish team play.
Down back, the defenders remained composed whenever Rumbalara pushed forward, limiting their scoring chances and quickly turning defence into attack.
Strong performances from Jonty King and Will Doolan were a highlight for the Cats, with both players having a significant impact around the ground through their work rate, clean ball use and ability to win important contests.
They were well supported by Beau Lawrence, Ben Nisbet, Jade Duroux and Jeremy Congram, who all made valuable contributions with their pressure, attack on the ball and willingness to work hard for the team.
To Rumbalara’s credit, they continued to battle throughout the game, but Finley maintained their intensity across all four quarters.
Every player contributed, with strong tackling, disciplined team football and plenty of encouragement between teammates highlighting an excellent all-round performance.
The convincing win gives the reserves plenty of confidence as they head into the finals, with the side producing one of its most complete team performances of the season.
Final score: Finley 12.13 (85) def Rumbalara 2.3 (15).
Goals: Ben Nisbet 2, Jeremy Congram 2, Luke Congram 2, Jade Duroux 2, Bailey Burke 1, Peter Cochrane 1, Dom Philpot 1, Lachy Hawkins 1.
Best: Jonty King, Will Doolan, Jade Duroux, Beau Lawrence, Ben Nisbet, Jeremy Congram.
Thirds
No opposition team.
Fourths
The Finley Cats put together a dominant four-quarter performance on Saturday morning.
The boys set the tone from the opening bounce with relentless pressure, clean ball movement and an outstanding defensive effort to keep Rumbalara scoreless.
The highlight of the morning was the boys’ brilliant coast-to-coast football, linking up seamlessly from one end of the ground to the other and showcasing exactly what these young Cats are capable of.
Lincoln Price was composed and used the ball well, adding to the scoreboard, while Riley Gatty competed fiercely in the ruck and continued his strong form.
Captain Samuel Hay led from the front through the midfield, setting the standard with his attack on the football and leadership.
Up forward, Levi Jakeman worked tirelessly and finished with six goals, while Orlando Orsida presented a strong target and finished with seven.
Hudson Daniel produced another calm and reliable performance and also hit the scoreboard.
Keeping the opposition scoreless was a credit to the boys' effort, discipline and willingness to work for one another.
With four rounds remaining, our finals destiny is in our own hands.
The next three matches will be tough, but if the boys continue to play with the same intensity and team first attitude, they will give themselves every opportunity to finish the season strongly.
Final score: Finley 20.17 (137) def Rumbalara 0.0 (0).
Goals: Orlando Orsida 7, Levi Jakeman 6, Jed Flanagan 3, Dylan Pyle 1, Hudson Daniel 1, Lincoln Price 1, Will Harris 1.
Best: Lincoln Price, Riley Gatty, Samuel Hay, Levi Jakeman, Orlando Orsida, Hudson Daniel.
Goulburn Murray Junior League
Under-12s
The Finley under-12s’ season came to an end on Friday night after a spirited effort against Barooga in their finals clash.
Under the Friday night lights, the Finley boys attacked every contest with determination, laying strong tackles, chasing hard and showing plenty of courage around the footy.
Barooga proved to be a quality side and made the most of their opportunities, but Finley never stopped competing and continued to fight for every possession.
The defenders worked tirelessly under pressure, the midfield battled hard all night, and the forwards kept presenting, creating several exciting moments.
The teamwork and encouragement between the players was a real highlight, with everyone contributing and supporting one another right through to the final siren.
Although the result wasn’t the one Finley was hoping for, the team can be incredibly proud of their season.
The players have shown terrific improvement, developed their skills and confidence, and represented the club with great sportsmanship every time they pulled on the jumper.
Congratulations to Barooga on the win, and a huge congratulations to the Finley under-12 players, coaches, volunteers and families on a fantastic season.
The future is bright for this talented young group, and everyone at the club looks forward to seeing them continue to grow in the years ahead.