In ideal conditions, Finley hosted Nathalia in a highly anticipated contest, with the winner claiming the coveted Kelly Grain and Rex James Stockfeed Shield.
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Both sides attacked the ball with ferocious intent early, setting the tone for a physical and hard-fought encounter.
Nathalia gained the upper hand in the opening term, edging out to a 10-point lead at the first break.
Liam Evans looked dangerous up forward, while ruck man Andrew Jones and on-baller Chris Brown provided strong presence around the contest.
For Finley, Reid Crowe, Dan O’Bryan, and Robbie Hamann were instrumental in keeping the Cats in the fight.
The second quarter saw Nathalia stamp their authority on the contest, piling on seven goals to two in a dominant display.
Evans continued to be a headache for the Finley defence, as the Purples used their size and strength to control the midfield battle and drive the ball into their forward line with precision.
Finley responded after half-time, with the third quarter an evenly fought affair as both sides traded three goals apiece.
The Cats showed glimpses of challenge throughout the term, but Nathalia remained composed and maintained their advantage.
The final quarter followed a similar script, with Nathalia slotting four goals to Finley’s three.
Second-gamer Harrison King provided a highlight with two late majors, but unfortunately, the Cats were unable to bridge the gap.
Nathalia ran out convincing 49-point winners, showcasing their depth and class across the ground.
Looking ahead, Finley face Mulwala at Lonsdale Oval next week in what will be another tough test for the young Cats as they look to record their second victory of the season.
Final score: Finley 9.5 (59) def by Nathalia 16.12 (108).
Goals: Nick Burns 2, Harrison King 2, Jordan Taylor 2, Liam Rafferty 1, Reece Simmons 1, Isaac Lunn 1.
Best players: Reid Crowe, Robbie Hamann, Dan O’Bryan, Liam Rafferty, Harrison King, Archie Mason.
Awards: Reid Crowe, Robbie Hamann, Dan O’Bryan, Liam Rafferty, Harrison King.
Reserves
Finley came away with a hard-fought win over Nathalia in a spirited contest that showcased teamwork, determination, and leadership.
Led by team captain James Kennedy, who set the tone early and finished with an impressive four goals, the Cats put together a strong performance across the board.
Spencer Hawkins was a standout in the ruck, playing the entire game and continuing to build a strong case for senior selection.
It was a tough task picking the best players, as every player stood up and played their role.
Will Doolan earned the prestigious Sticks Hendy Memorial Mug as the player voted best on ground.
The midfield brigade was once again led superbly by Levi Webster and Harry Haynes, with strong support from Noah Iddles and the Kerr brothers, Lachy and Hamish, rotating through the middle.
Mitch Hawkins had his best outing of the year, racking up possessions and playing a vital role in the team’s success.
It truly was a day when all 18 players could have been named among the best.
Final score: Finley 9.7 (61) def Nathalia 4.10 (34).
Goals: James Kennedy 4, Harry Haynes 2, Hamish Kerr 1, Kade Pyle 1, Nathan Brown 1.
Best players: James Kennedy, Spencer Hawkins, Nathan Brown, Harry Haynes, Levi Webster, Marcus Anderson.
Awards: James Kennedy, Spencer Hawkins, Harry Haynes, Marcus Anderson, Levi Webster.
Under-17s
The Thirds took on a Nathalia side, sitting in a similar ladder position as the young Cats.
Unfortunately, we were severely undermanned due to injury and unavailability.
Our start to the game was a lot better compared to the last two weeks, although the scoreboard didn’t show this.
Harry Daniel showed his trademark hard work and determination all game.
Darcy Sutton continued his purple patch of form, as well as Tom Marshall finding plenty of the footy and using his skill to dispatch the ball to teammates in better positions.
The senior boys in Tom White, Jeremy Doolan, Elijah Everingham and Cooper Sutton never gave in all game, which was pleasing.
Jordan Dean had his fair share of the ball, and it was pleasing to see Will Flintoft almost kick his first goal (he hit the post).
Blake Vidler continued to show a promising future ahead, racking up plenty of the ball.
The Purps were far too good, but our young side showed a lot of good signs.
Final score: Finley 2.5 (17) def by Nathalia 13.11 (89).
Goals: Harry Daniel 1, Blake Vidler 1.
Best players: Harry Daniel, Blake Vidler, Jeremy Doolan, Darcy Sutton, Tom White, Tom Marshall.
Awards: Tom Marshall, Jeremy Doolan, Darcy Sutton, Harry Daniel, Blake Vidler.
Under-14s
Finley hosted the third placed Nathalia, with many of the Finley players putting their hands up to take more responsibility and try new positions around the ground and a focus on forward pressure and movement.
Despite a rough start, the boys held Nathalia to a low score in the opening quarter, with Angus Urquhart playing well in the sweeper role and Dom Kelly following up in the ruck to get some clearances the Cats’ way.
However, Nathalia cleared it out of defence well and only let a few points slip through.
The second quarter onwards saw the teams trading scoring opportunities, as they traded territory and ran the ball and kicked long, breaking lines.
Nathalia put more goals on the board, but Finley found form up forward and put shots up as well, with Orlando Orsida, Jackson Pyle and Lachie Marshall taking important marks to create opportunities.
The game progressed with great pressure from both sides, as Hudson Daniel and Riley Gatty worked overtime behind the ball to rebound, trading kicks with an excellent Nathalia defence.
The game got physical and players on both sides were rewarded for being first to the ball and protecting their teammates.
Despite their perseverance, Finley only managed one more goal, but worked hard to get more high pressure forward entries, showing the improvement we’ve had since round one.
Final score: Finley 2.3 (15) def Nathalia 10.9 (69).
Goals: Orlando Orsida 1, Angus Urquhart 1.
Best Players: Dom Kelly, Angus Urquhart, Hudson Daniel, Jackson Pyle, Riley Gatty.
Awards: Dom Kelly, Angus Urquhart, Hudson Daniel, Jackson Pyle, Riley Gatty.
Under-12s
Played at Finley under lights the Cats under-12s took on Nathalia in their first game of the season.
Nathalia were the first to hit the scoreboard with a quick goal within minutes.
After this it was Finley who took control.
The boys had put into practice what we trained with link up handballs and plenty of run.
With multiple goalscorers by the final siren, Finley came away with a comfortable victory.
Final score: Finley 13.14 (92) def Nathalia Knights 1.1 (7).
Goals: Levi Jakeman 3, Zander Fleming 2, Lachlan Urquhart 3, Harvey Massina 1, Lincoln Price 1, Flynn Rourke 1, Will Harris 1, Colby Price 1.
Awards: Levi Jakeman, Lachie Urquhart.
Under-10s
The Finley Cats kicked off their season in fantastic style with an energetic and enthusiastic first game.
Every player gave it their all, showing great teamwork and a willingness to share the ball around.
It was great to see everyone listening to instructions and putting them into action on the field.
Players rotated through all positions, giving everyone a chance to learn different roles and develop their skills across the ground.
The spirit and sportsmanship on display were outstanding.
A huge congratulations to our canteen award winners this week, Will Plattfuss and Ruby Fuller, who both stood out for their efforts and commitment.
Well done to all the Cats – a brilliant start to the season!
Final score: Not scored.
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