Jordan Taylor talks tactics with Kyle Coates during a match this year.
The Finley Cats were a kick away from winning the Murray League’s senior football premiership this past season.
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They were one of the strongest sides in the competition, and the Cats intend to keep the momentum going in 2025.
Re-committed coach Jordan Taylor makes for a strong continuation at the helm.
He had his side primed all year, and it will be no surprise to see Finley be a strong side once again this year.
Taylor has also been named by AFL Victoria as one of only 28 coaches selected to complete their Advanced Coaching Practises Course, formerly known as level three coaching.
“Although falling agonisingly close to the ultimate prize, the work and commitment Jordan has put in is second to none,” the club said when announcing his re-appointment.
Jordan Daniel is also returning to the club as a playing assistant coach to Taylor.
A Finley junior and senior player, Daniel has had stints in the Ovens & Murray League and will be bringing a fair bit of experience back to the club.
Player signings have also been secured for the club, but it had included only two of their seven award winners from 2024 so far.
They are Nik Burns and Luke Moore.
Burns won the Trademark Player award and the captain of the club, while Moore was named Best in Finals for the Cats.
The club had high praise for Moore, who could well have been the best afield on grand final day.
“A highly skilled midfielder who can win his own ball on the inside, Luke showed what he can do through the finals' series after missing games through injury in the second half of last season.”
The Cats will also see some thirds players graduate to the seniors in 2025, showing that the club is building a strong “buy in” and environment for developing young footballers.
“Tyrelle Taylor and Kade Pyle, having progressed through our junior program, will be stepping up to senior footy next season,” the club announced.
“Tyrelle is a key defender who is rarely beaten in a marking contest and loves to run forward and set up attacking raids.
“Kade found his niche on a wing in his top age thirds year after a couple of injury plagued seasons.
“We are thrilled to have another couple of local lads staying loyal to the FFNC.”
Other signings, or re-commitments, from the grand final side are Isaac Lunn, Paul Massingham, Jess McDonald, Mitch Carson, Lachlan Hawkins and Matt Jackson.
In other exciting news for the club, they have also brought on board the expertise of Greg Whelan as junior development officer.
“Greg comes to us with a fantastic resume of coaching and developing young players,” the club said.
“A current coach in the GWS development program, he co-ordinates and is the head coach for the southern New South Wales division.”
Paul Massingham has re-signed with the club.
Season 2024 award winner Nik Burns will remain with the Cats.
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