Taking a 48 point lead into the last quarter, the Cats took the foot off the pedal, conceding seven goals to two, but had enough lead to be safe, bouncing back from a disappointing loss to Katandra from the previous week.
Finley’s young brigade of Mat Wilson (three goals), Dan O’Bryan, Luke Moore, Ben Ashley-Cooper, Jasper Brain and Taylor Kleinschmidt were the stars of the match.
The Hawks were led well by Michael Sumner (four goals), Chris Patten, Will Robinson and Dwayne Wilson.
Final score, Finley 15.13 (103) to Barooga 13.7 (85).
It was a must-win game for Finley when they faced the Hawks, with the Cats needing a victory to stay in touch with the top eight.
Dan O’Bryan started the scoring for the Cats with a mark and goal from 30m out.
The intensity around the contest was evident early, highlighted by a long chase and tackle from veteran Tim Robertson, causing a turnover in the Hawks forward line.
The transfer of play ended with Kane Murphy kicking truly for the Cats.
Robb Jewell, Luke Moore and Levi Middleton were all working the clearances well.
Shaun Kable, playing forward this week, gave the onballers a target.
The forward line looked dangerous and when Murphy snapped his second for the term the margin was 20 points at the first break.
The Hawks started the second quarter strongly kicking the first major.
A quick reply through young forwards Duncan Clarke and Wilson saw the Cats resume control.
Injuries to veterans Paul Massingham and Kable saw them play no further part in the game, and with the Cats holding a 20 point lead at half time there were fears of being over-run by Barooga.
This injected sub Nick Lunn into the game. His pressure around the forward 50 saw him rewarded with a free kick and his first goal at senior level.
A signature left foot snap from Matt Jackson extended the Cats’ lead to 42 points.
Kleinschmidt, Brain, Ashley-Cooper, Nik Burns and O’Bryan all teamed well throughout the contest giving the large home crowd a look at what the future holds at the Cattery.
A late rally from Barooga in the last term with three unanswered goals brought them back within striking distance but a late goal to Wilson saw the game beyond doubt.
The Cats will now move their focus to round 10, where they will travel to take on an in-form Tongala side.