Finley went down to Nathalia by 28 points on Saturday in challenging wet conditions. Despite the result, the Cats battled hard all day and remained in the contest through long periods against one of the competition’s stronger sides.
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Nathalia held a narrow lead at quarter time before gradually extending their advantage across the afternoon.
Finley showed plenty of fight, matching Nathalia around the contest at stages and creating opportunities going forward, but were unable to capitalise enough on the scoreboard.
Coach Jack Sexton led from the front through the midfield and Sam Barnett followed with his good form while Cruz Nash had his best game for the season looking very strong in that midfield.
Lenny Dattoli and Isaac Lunn’s magnets were moved around throughout the day, giving the Cats different looks when needed.
In defence, Lachy Webb was given a role and executed it well.
While the result didn’t go Finley’s way, there were plenty of positives to take from the day, and the Cats will look to build on those efforts and bounce back strongly in the coming weeks.
Final score: Finley 9.6 (60) def by Nathalia 13.10 (88).
Goals: Reece Simmons 2, Will Sexton 2, Sam Barnett 2, Cruz Nash, Jack Sexton, and Doug Billings.
Awards: Lenny Dattoli, Cruz Nash, Lachlan Webb, and Isaac Lunn.
Reserves
The Cats had a great win over Nathalia, coming away with a 20-point victory in a terrific team-first performance.
Liam ‘Roy’ Rafferty was welcomed back to the field after a long 12 months on the sidelines with a knee injury. Roy returned in style, earning the team’s Best Player award in a well-deserved performance.
The coaches had a difficult job selecting the best players, but it was hard to overlook the efforts of the three Hawkins boys - Fraser, Spencer and Charlie - who all played their roles superbly and won their positions.
It was great to be back on the winners’ list.
Final score: Finley 9.6 (60) def Nathalia 6.4 (40).
Goals: Lachlan Hawkins 2, Beau Lawrence 2, Luke Congram, Nathan Brown, James Kennedy, Paul Massingham, and Liam Rafferty.
Awards: Liam Rafferty, Fraser Hawkins, Charlie Hawkins, and Spencer Hawkins.
Thirds
The thirds at home on Saturday were eager to hit the scoreboard early and continue their improvement, but the young Purps hit the ground running and didn’t give the Cats a chance to get into the game.
They battled hard throughout the match, but unfortunately weren’t able to match it with a skilful and hard-running opposition.
Josiah Everingham, Blake Vidler, Tom White and Ryan Bauer worked tirelessly all day.
Saturday’s match may have been the wake-up call the side needed as the players head back to the training track this week to focus on the little things that have been a key part of the side’s development all season.
They take on Echuca United away this week before heading into the bye.
Final score: Finley 0.1 (1) def by 17.13 (115).
Awards: Peter Everingham, Josiah Everingham, Tom Marshall, Tom White, Blake Vidler, and Darcy Sutton.
Fourths
The Cats produced a strong first-half performance on Saturday, and went on to defeat Nathalia by 78 points.
A key focus heading into the game was keeping Nathalia scoreless, and the boys should be proud of achieving that through excellent team defence and pressure across the ground.
The Cats came out firing from the opening bounce, with Noah Brindley and captain Sam Hay leading the way through the midfield. Quick ball movement out of the centre created an early goal and set the tone for a dominant first half.
Up forward, Jed Flanagan was dangerous with four goals, while Orlando Orsida continued his strong form with three majors.
The leadership shown by captains Sam Hay, Noah Brindley, Jed Flanagan and Orlando Orsida helped set the standard early.
Dylan Pyle was rewarded for his hard work and determination around the contest, while Rory Burton continues to improve every game and was recognised for another strong defensive performance.
While the second half wasn’t at the same level as the opening two quarters, the boys continued to work hard and never allowed Nathalia back into the contest.
The first half showed exactly what this group is capable of.
There is still plenty of work to do to maintain that intensity and ball movement for four quarters, but another strong win keeps the Cats moving in the right direction.
A good test awaits this week when the Cats travel to Echuca to take on another quality opponent.
Final score: Finley 11.12 (78) def Nathalia 0.0 (0).
Goals: Jed Flanagan 4, Orlando Orsida 3, Noah Brindley 2, Levi Jakeman, and Lincoln Price.
Awards: Samuel Hay, Noah Brindley, Dylan Pyle, Rory Burton, Orlando Orsida, and Jed Flanagan.
Under-12s
The Cats produced an outstanding team performance, coming away with a well-deserved victory over Nathalia.
What made the win even more impressive was the willingness of every player to step into different roles throughout the game.
With several positional changes made across the field, the team adapted brilliantly, showing great versatility, teamwork and a positive attitude, no matter where they were asked to play.
From the opening bounce, Finley worked hard for each other, moving the ball well and applying strong pressure around the ground. Players embraced the challenge of playing in unfamiliar positions, demonstrating their growing football knowledge and commitment to the team.
Everyone contributed, with no passengers and every player playing their part. Whether in the midfield, defence, or forward line, the team maintained its structure and supported one another throughout the game.
Final score: Finley 102 def Nathalia 45.
Awards: Camilla Massina, and Archie Brindley.
Under-10s
Friday night was a genuine winter’s night, with breeze and sleeting rain challenging both teams.
However, the young Cats performed admirably, handling the ball well and hitting targets on many occasions.
It is pleasing to see the improvement from all players from the start of the year with players learning not only their position on the ground but also improvement in how to play that position, mark an opponent, deliver the ball and execute ball handling skills.
Final score: Not scored.
Awards: Jimmy Fuller, and Paddy Tobin.