In the final home-and-away fixture of the Murray Football League season, Finley hosted Barooga in what was expected to be a spirited contest.

The Cats, blending seasoned experience with emerging youth, were determined to finish the year on a high note.

From the opening bounce, Finley asserted dominance, controlling the tempo and executing clean ball movement.

By half-time, they had built a commanding 48-point lead, showcasing their intent and cohesion across the ground.

However, the match took a sombre turn in the third quarter when a promising young Finley player suffered a serious injury after a courageous aerial contest.

Attempting a high mark, he landed heavily on his head, prompting immediate concern.

The game was halted as trainers from both clubs attended to the player until paramedics arrived.

In a commendable show of sportsmanship and unity, both coaches and the officiating umpires agreed to call off the remainder of the match, prioritising the welfare of the injured player above all else.

The thoughts of the entire Murray Football League community are with the injured Finley player, wishing him a full and speedy recovery.

Final score: Finley 11.6 (72) def Barooga 2.7 (19).

Goals: Paul Massingham 4, Harrison King 2, Nik Burns, Dan O’Bryan, Jordan Daniel, Lachy Webb, Jordan Sykes.

Best players: Lachy Webb, Paul Massingham, Jordan Sykes, Lachy Hawkins, Cruz Nash, Cam Isedale.

Awards: Lachy Webb, Paul Massingham, Jordan Sykes, Lachy Hawkins, Cruz Nash.

Reserves

This was a great game to round out the season! The Cats’ reserves have given it their all throughout the year, and it all came together in a brilliant final performance with a well-earned win over Barooga.

Once again, captain Bubba Kennedy led from the front, slotting three crucial goals and driving the midfield, alongside Noah Iddles and Josh Everingham.

Their work through the middle gave the team momentum all day.

Down back, Robbie Hamann was a standout, leading the attack out of defence and consistently turning away Barooga’s forward entries.

Marcus Anderson stood up when needed and moved himself to Barooga’s dangerous full forward, who was giving the Cats some problems, and shut him down.

But the story of the day was up forward, where twin towers Jonty King and Jack Iddles put on a clinic, combining for a dominant display that left the opposition scrambling.

Kade Pyle also impressed, playing his role perfectly as a small forward and providing a reliable avenue to goal when needed.

It was a massive effort from every player and a fitting end to the season!

Final score: Finley 8.7 (55) def Barooga 5.3 (33).

Goals: James Kennedy 3, Jonty King 2, Kade Pyle, Josh Everingham, Jack Iddles.

Best players: James Kennedy, Jack Iddles, Jonty King, Noah Iddles, Kade Pyle, Josh Everingham.

Awards: James Kennedy, Robbie Hamann, Jack Iddles, Jonty King, Noah Iddles.

Thirds

The thirds finished their season on Saturday hosting the Hawks, trying to make it two wins in as many weeks.

They started well, kicking two first quarter goals through Sam Hurlston and Jack Iddles.

The second and third quarters followed with plenty of fight from the boys, but they could only manage one goal with a clever snag from Charlie Rorato.

Despite being bedridden the previous three days, Blake Vidler showed he has a positive future, continually working the ball forward and providing pressure.

For a first year player, it has been a great strength in his game.

In the last quarter the coaching staff made some moves to try and spark scoring action, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite happen.

Darcy Sutton showed some great defensive effort in the back pocket along with Logan Peasley.

Usual culprits Harry Daniel, Jackson Tooke and Sam Hurlston never gave in working their hardest, but it was just one of those days when their usual magic just couldn’t get going.

While the thirds couldn’t get the win to finish off what has been a challenging year in the win/loss department, true to form they never gave in, which has been a positive and pleasing aspect to their game.

This has been an energetic group to coach, willing to learn and put everything being taught into practice.

Special thanks for the year and good luck to Harry Daniel, Cooper Sutton, Elijah Everingham, Sam Hurlston, Jeremy Doolan, Ben Rourke and Jack Iddles who have graduated their junior football career at Finley.

The club looks forward to watching their progress to senior football at the Cats.

Final score: Finley 3.6 (24) lost to Barooga 10.7 (67).

Goals: Sam Hurlston, Charlie Rorato, Jack Iddles.

Best players: Blake Vidler, Darcy Sutton, Ash Hines, Charlie Rorato, Tom Marshall, Sam Hurlston.

Awards: Blake Vidler, Darcy Sutton, Ash Hines, Charlie Rorato, Tom Marshall.

Fourths

Saturday was the side’s final home-and-away match of the season against Barooga, who secured a finals berth by finishing sixth on the ladder and had beaten the Cats by nearly seven goals earlier in the year.

This time, however, Finley turned the tables and claimed an impressive 41-point victory, controlling the contest from the opening bounce right through to the final siren.

The win was built on relentless team effort - defending with determination, linking up through the middle, and using the ball with real purpose going forward.

It was, without question, the best performance of the year from this group.

There were several standout individual efforts: Campbell Reynolds earned best-on-ground honours with his work both in the air and on the deck, combining speed and strength to great effect.

Angus Urquhart, Jason Hay, Samuel Hay and Lachlan Marshall all played crucial roles across four quarters.

Still, the result was ultimately a reflection of the collective, with every player contributing.

It was a rewarding finish to the year and highlighted how far the group has developed over the past 24 months.

Finley has always been fortunate to have strong junior talent coming through, and the potential within the club’s fourths and thirds is as exciting as ever and indicates a bright future for the club.

Final score: Finley 7.8 (50) def Barooga 1.3 (9).

Goals: Judd Clarke 3, James White, Angus Urquhart, Lachy Marshall, Campbell Reynolds.

Best players: Campbell Reynolds, Angus Urquhart, Samuel Hay, Hudson Daniel, Noah Brindley, Jason Hay.

Awards: Campbell Reynolds, Angus Urquhart, Samuel Hay, Hudson Daniel, Noah Brindley, Jason Hay, Harry Warenciya.

Goulburn Murray Juniors

Under-12s

Finley delivered a brilliant team performance in a gripping under-12s grand final, just falling short to Cobram by 12 points in the final minutes of play.

After a competitive first quarter, Finley took control in the second, slamming home five unanswered goals with clean ball movement and fierce pressure around the contest.

At half-time, they held a well-earned lead and looked full of confidence.

The intensity lifted in the second half as Cobram fought back, but Finley continued to match them in every area.

With just five minutes to go, Finley still led, showing incredible effort and composure under pressure.

Cobram managed to edge ahead late with two quick goals, but Finley never gave in. Every player gave their all in what was a fast, physical and emotional contest.

All players were at their best for the big game.

From the backline to the forward line, the boys played as a team and should be extremely proud of their performance.

They showed heart, skill, and determination — a true reflection of their season.

Final score: Finley 8.1 (49) lost to Cobram 9.7 (61).

Goals: Lachy Urquhart 2, Levi Jakeman 2, Oli Taylor 2, Flynn Rourke, Caleb Kennedy.

Congratulations to Lachy Urquhart who was awarded the Best on Ground medal for the grand final, and to Levi Jakeman who finished runner-up in the league best & fairest.

Under-10s

The Finley Cats played their final game of the season on Friday night in Barooga, taking on Nathalia under lights.

It was a fantastic effort from all the players, showing how far they’ve come throughout the season.

This week’s awards went to two standout performers who displayed great consistency and kicked multiple goals between them – Oli Gray and Alfie Johnson.

It has been a brilliant season for the little Cats. Every player has shown improvement and should be proud of their efforts.

The club thanks families, coaches and supporters who helped make it such a positive and fun season.

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Wednesday, 22nd February 2023

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