FAST FACTS >> COACH: JORDAN TAYLOR 2024 FINISH: RUNNER UP (14-1-6) 2024 BEST-AND-FAIREST: CHARLIE LANG 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: TOM LANG (59) HOME GROUND: FINLEY RECREATION RESERVE NICKNAME: CATS
INS: Tom Hawkins (Geelong), Jordan Daniel (Maroochydore), Dan O’Bryan (Wollongong), Lachlan Webb, Beau Lawrence, Jackson Haige (La Trobe Uni), Frazer Hawkins, Archie Mason, Bailey Coombs, Nick Lunn
OUTS: Charlie Lang (St Mary’s), Zac Brain (Marrer), Mitch Reilly (Berrigan), Kayden Sharp (Pines), Jesse White, Nick Bertino, Tom Lang, Jack Lang
Youth is coming to the forefront of Finley in 2025.
After missing out by a point in last year’s grand final, a fair chunk of the Cats’ senior core has departed which leaves the door open for the club’s green talents to show their worth.
The return of Murray League representative Jordan Daniel to the Cattery from Queensland shapes as a flashy recruit, and the buzz around Tom Hawkins’ return for the Good Friday clash against Deniliquin is palpable.
Coach Jordan Taylor stays at the wheel as Finley seeks to go one further this season, and despite a fresh playing group, the Cats’ mentor is quietly content.
“We’ve lost a fair few of the players that were in that grand final, so it’ll be a younger looking Finley this year,” he said.
“But there is still a lot who did play in that grand final still here, so it should still be a pretty positive year.
“A lot of young boys who had that grand final experience had some close wins through the year which I reckon will hold them in good stead in close games this coming year.
“We are happy with where we’re at, so it’s looking positive.”