The round four Anzac Day clash presented a big opportunity for the Finley Cats to get their first win on the board against a good side in Mulwala.
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The messaging was clear from the Cats coach, Jack Sexton.
He wanted the team to start well, and he emphasised that by kicking three of Finley’s four goals in the first quarter.
Mulwala only landed four points.
The second quarter saw the Cats with much of the same footy and a lot of run and dash from the backline, while Mulwala did manage three goals.
Finley continued their early dominance, adding another four goals for the term heading into the main break 27 point leaders.
Mulwala came out after half-time and put the pressure back on the Cats.
Finley’s defenders worked overtime, with Matthew Whelan having his best game of the season and Jordan Taylor adding some experience and grunt down back.
Mulwala managed three goals straight from their scoring shots in the third quarter to Finley’s two points.
The final quarter started with Finley 11 points up, but Mulwala continued their third quarter dominance, kicking five final quarter goals to Finley’s two points.
By the final siren, Mulwala finished winners after another final quarter drop off from Finley.
Final scores: Finley 8.7.(55) def by Mulwala 11.6. (72).
Goals: Jack Sexton 3, Josh Everingham 2, Nik Burns, Isaac Lunn, Jordan Taylor.
Best players: Jack Sexton, Jordan Taylor, Matt Whelan, Will Sexton, Jacob Armer, Josh Everingham.
Awards: Jack Sexton, Jordan Taylor, Josh Everingham, Jordan Taylor.
Reserves
In a great day for football, the twos boys kept their winning ways going.
The team was greatly led by Bailey Burke, Spencer Hawkins and Harry Daniel from the midfield.
Jonty King, Ben Nesbit and Levi Webster were great targets in the forward half, with Levi getting on the end of a few forward entries, kicking three goals. Harrison King also popped up for two goals.
Jade Duroux kept his good form going in the back half, stopping multiple opposition entries.
Final score: Finley 10.6.(66) def Mulwala 8.4.(52).
Goals: Levi Webster 3, Harrison King 2, Peter Cochrane 2, Bailey Burke, Jonty King, Jeremy Congram.
Best players: Bailey Burke, Spencer Hawkins, Jade Duroux, Harry Daniel, Jonty King, Ben Nisbet.
Awards: Spencer Hawkins, Bailey Burke, Harry Daniel, Jade Duroux.
Under-17s
The Mulwala Lions flew out of the gates, kicking three early goals and five for the quarter.
For the next two quarters we kept Mulwala to two goals a quarter, while also enjoying a goal in each of these quarters - one to Jackson Tooke, and a fantastic long range set shot to Corey Dundon.
The backline was led by the day’s captain Tom White, Joel Fitzell and Jason Hay. Tom’s role in deep defence set the tone for the rest of the team to follow.
After an early setback, Ryan Bauer also showed his never say die attitude to contribute to the cause.
The midfield group of Jackson Tooke, Pat Billings and youngster Gus Urquhart toiled hard all day and linked up well.
Blake Vidler was in everything, with a strong feature of his game being his tackling and pressure.
Up forward, Lach Whelan and Tom Marshall worked hard for their opportunities.
It was awesome to see Nick Chesworth follow up last week’s comeback game, getting the ball and trying to use it as best he could.
Final score: Finley 2.5.(17) def by Mulwala 13.9.(87).
Goals: Jackson Tooke, Coree Dundon.
Best players: Tom White, Blake Vidler, Jackson Tooke, Joel Fitzell, Pat Billings, Lachy Whelan.
Awards: Pat Billings, Tom White, Blake Vidler, Jackson Tooke, Joel Fitzell, Lachy Whelan.
Under-14s
A strong team performance from the Cats saw them take control early and run out convincing winners.
Samuel Hay gave our mids first use all day with a dominant ruck performance, while Noah Brindley worked hard through the centre to link defence and attack.
Up forward, Levi Jakeman was a standout with six goals, constantly hitting the scoreboard.
Jake Arthur was rewarded for his effort with his first goal for the year.
Down back, Hudson Daniel was solid in defence, helping restrict Mulwala’s scoring and Jed Flanagan was on fire with his intensity and impact around the ground.
Final score: Finley 14.11 (95) def Mulwala 3.2 (20).
Goals: Levi Jakeman 6, Noah Brindley 2, Orlando Orsida 2, Flynn Rourke 2, Jake Arthur, Will Harris.
Best players: Jake Arthur, Orlando Orsida, Levi Jakeman, Samuel Hay, Noah Brindley, Jed Flanagan.
Awards: Jake Arthur, Orlando Orsida, Levi Jakeman, Samuel Hay, Noah Brindley, Jed Flanagan.
Under-12s
Finley’s under-12s battled hard but were knocked out in the first round, going down to Tocumwal after a tight contest.
With many of the players fatigued after participating in other sports earlier in the day, Finley showed great determination to compete right to the final siren.
Despite a strong and competitive start, Tocumwal proved more efficient in front of goal at key moments, allowing them to edge ahead.
Finley’s teamwork and persistence were clear highlights, with Oli Taylor and Max White named among the best players for their standout efforts across the ground.
Final score: Finley 37 lost to Tocumwal 52.
Goals: Zander 2, Oli 2, Bailey.
Awards: Oli Taylor and Max White.
Under-10s
In our first game for the year against Tocumwal, it was a fiercely contested battle by our enthusiastic and excited young team.
The focus for our young charges was team play, working on our skills and positive reinforcement.
We had a clear intent of sharing the ball by hand and foot, contesting around the packs with ferocity, and a real desire to work as a team and further develop our skills.
We will continue to work on our ball handling, making position, presenting for the ball and hitting our targets.
Final score: Not scored.
Awards: Kai Gleeson, Patric Tobin.