Finley scored a resounding ‘come from behind’ win against Nathalia to secure second place on the ladder in the final round of the Murray League on Saturday.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
In sunny conditions, the Cats needed the victory to ensure second place and the double chance was not lost, while Nathalia needed a win to sneak into sixth place on the ladder.
The Cats had the first three shots but could not find a goal, allowing Nathalia to go forward and find the first goal of the game.
Jesse McDonald had multiple intercept marks in the first quarter and Jesse White was cleaning up any loose ground balls to repel the Purples, but it was not enough as Nathalia kicked 6.3 (39) to Finley’s 1.4 (10) as a murmur of “not again” was heard among the crowd at quarter time.
The second quarter saw the resilient Cats’ senior side not allow any supporter trauma of years gone by to affect them, as coach Jordan Taylor urged the group to stick to the process. Nathalia kicked the first two goals to stretch the lead to 40 points, before goals from Mitch Carson and Tom Lang got the Cats rolling. Angus Robertson and Kayden Sharp started to find marks across halfback as Carson had a second.
Moments after, Lang kicked a miraculous snap as the Cats found themselves 11 points adrift at the main break.
The third quarter was Finley’s best of the year, as Luke Moore made a statement by kicking three of Finley’s eight goals for the quarter. Nik Burns caught Henry Congues holding the ball and kicked his second for the quarter as the Cats found themselves 15.6 (96) leading Nathalia 10.4 (64) at three-quarter time.
The last quarter saw Lachlan Hawkins and Kyle Coates wear down the Nathalia ruck stocks and get right on top as Charlie Lang and Mitch Reilly goaled. Bailey Burke and Sam Hatty put the clamps on their opponents to stifle any comeback. When the ‘old boy’ Paul Massingham kicked a late left foot snap, the Cats celebrated a stirring victory that secured them second spot and the vital double chance.
Final score: Finley 19.8 (122) def Nathalia 12.5 (77)
Best players: Luke Moore, Tom Lang, Jesse McDonald, Nik Burns, Nick Bertino, Mitchell Reilly.
Goals: Tom Lang 7, Luke Moore 3, Nik Burns 3, Mitch Carson 2, Angus Robertson 1, Paul Massingham 1, Mitchell Reilly 1, Charlie Lang 1.
Awards: Pether Ag - Luke Moore; Rex James Stockfeed - Tom Lang; OMLS - Nik Burns; Eagle i Machinery - Jesse McDonald; Marshall Ag - Nick Bertino.
Reserves
The Reserves this week were holding on to a slim chance of still making finals, and with a seven-goal to one first quarter, things were looking good. The remainder of the game was played on much more even terms as it went goal for goal. However, the Cats finished the game winning comfortably.
Harrison King, on his birthday, played his best game for the year. Reilly Rennick, Liam Rafferty, Lenny Dattoli and Matt Jackson all played well, with potential senior spots up for grabs.
Despite the win, it was a disappointing end to the season and another close final miss, as the reserves will look to 2025 to build on this and hope to be a contender.
Final score: Finley 14.8 (92) def Nathalia 5.6 (36)
Best players: Reilly Rennick, Zye Treadway, Harrison King, Matt Jackson, Lenny Dattoli, Liam Rafferty.
Goals: Harrison King 3, Lenny Dattoli 2, James Kennedy 2, Levi Webster 2, Jonty Ling 2, Shaun Kable 1, Marcus Anderson 1, Reilly Rennick 1.
Awards: Kelly Grains - Harrison King; Finley RSC - Reilly Rennick; Garnaut Private Wealth - Zye Treadway; O’Connor’s Case IH - Matt Jackson; Kalangadoo Nursery - Liam Rafferty.
Under-17s
The thirds finished the season on a positive note, coming away with a 27-point win against a Nathalia side that could still potentially make the finals going into the match. After a slow first quarter allowing the Purples to get a one goal lead, the boys hit their straps and held a buffer over their opponents for the remainder of the match.
These young players have had a few challenging weeks throughout the season but have always shown up ready to work and improve which has been a credit to them.
Strong performances on Saturday were from Tyrelle Taylor at centre-halfback, Kade Pyle on the wing, Cooper Sutton and Harry Daniel down back, Nick Chesworth at half forward and Jonty King, Sam Hurlston and Reece Simmons all kicking two goals.
It has been a good season in which the players have improved every week, learnt a lot and going forward will hold the club in good stead.
Final score: Finley 10.7 (67) def Nathalia 6.4 (40)
Best players: Tyrelle Taylor, Cooper Sutton, Jonty King, Harry Daniel, Jackson Tooke, Sam Hurlston.
Goals: Jonty King 3, Isaac Lunn 2, Sam Hurlston 2, Reece Simmons 2, Jordan Sykes 1.
Awards: Finley RSC - Tyrelle Taylor; Ross and Sarah - Cooper Sutton; Mawsons Concrete - Jonty King; Taskers Deniliquin - Kade Pyle; Kalangadoo Nursery - Jackson Tooke; Massingham Auto - Sam Hurlston.
Under-14s
The final round of the year started with the top-age boys leading the way. Captains Blake Vidler and Logan Peasley both got the team started with rare clearances and follow-ups. They had support from Gus Urquhart and Corey Dundon, who both maintained form from the previous week.
A scoring end began to take effect, and Finley went from having the run to being on the back foot, with changes being made to adjust to Nathalia’s speed. As the defensive pressure increased, Judd Clarke worked his way into the game and started reading the play, giving the Cats more opportunity, while Joel Fitzel, Max Knight and Jackson Pyle found another level in new roles that helped put a few more scores on the board.
Despite the effort and excellent running from Noah Brindley and Lachlan Marshall, and some goals from Ryder Loomes, Nathalia’s clean ball use and accuracy meant they didn’t waste chances.
It was a great effort by the boys and the club thanks all parents, players and volunteers throughout the year.
Final score: Finley 3.6 (24) def by Nathalia 8.2 (50)
Best players: Logan Peasley, Blake Vidler, Corey Dundon, Angus Urquhart, Jackson Pyle, Judd Clarke.
Goals: Ryder Lolmes 2, Blake Vidler 1.
Awards: Finley RSC - Logan Peasley; Ag Warehouse - Blake Vidler; Kalangadoo Nursery - Corey Dundon; Bauer Family - Angus Urquhart; Sutto’s Mini Excavations Coaches Award - Jackson Pyle; Lucas McCaw Award - Judd Clarke.
Contributed content