In near-perfect conditions over the weekend, Finley Football Club faced off against Echuca United.
Both teams, positioned in the bottom half of the ladder, were evenly matched across the ground.
Finley’s Matt Jackson was playing his 200th senior game for the club, and family and friends were there to help him celebrate his loyalty to the blue and white.
The first quarter was tightly contested, with only one point separating the two sides.
However, in the second quarter, Echuca United began to show their dominance, taking a handy lead into halftime.
The third quarter saw Finley display some high-quality skills, challenging Echuca United.
Unfortunately, Finley gave away three 50-metre penalties, resulting in three easy shots on goal for the Eagles.
The final quarter turned into a bit of a shootout.
Finley managed to kick four goals; however, United responded with seven, running out convincing winners for the weekend.
Final score: Finley 11.7 (73) def by Echuca United 19.9 (123).
Goals: Reid Crowe 3, Matt Jackson 2, Nik Burns 1, Lachy Webb 1, Paul Massingham 1, Marcus Anderson 1, Lachy Kerr 1, Fraser Hawkins 1.
Best players: Mitch Carson, Jesse McDonald, Cruz Nash, Spencer Hawkins, Reid Crowe, Levi Webster.
Awards: Irwin Stockfeeds: Mitch Carson, Garnaut Private Wealth: Jesse McDonald, Finley RSC: Spencer Hawkins, O’Connors Case: Cruz Nash, Eagle i Machinery: Levi Webster.
Reserves
A heartbreaking one-point loss in a hard-fought contest against Echuca United, but plenty of positives to take away.
Best on Ground went to Jack Miley, who made a sensational debut in his first ever game of Australian football – not only impressing with his composure and effort around the ground, but also kicking a cracking goal that easily took out play of the day.
Other standout performers included Jimmy Ford, Mitch Hawkins, Noah Iddles, Cam Isedale, and Sam Price, who all battled hard and kept us in the game right to the final siren.
A massive thank you to the four thirds players who stepped up and doubled up for us – Harry Daniel, Jeremy Doolan, Cooper Sutton, and Jackson Tooke – absolute legends and a huge help on the day.
A special shoutout and big congratulations to Jake Smith, who also played his first game and performed really well under pressure.
It is an exciting future ahead.
We’ll regroup, learn, and bounce back stronger after the bye.
Final score: Finley 5.6 (36) def by Echuca United 5.7 (37).
Goals: James Kennedy 2, James Ford 1, Jonty King 1, Jack Miley 1.
Best players: Jack Miley, James Ford, Mitchell Hawkins, Harry Daniel, Noah Iddles, Cam Isedale.
Awards: Haynes Butchery: Jack Miley, Finley Quality Meats: Noah Iddles, MC Herd: James Ford, Finley IGA: Harry Daniel, WD & AJ Lang: Cam Isedale.
Thirds
The thirds came up against an Echuca United side keen to stay in touch with the top six.
In the opening stanza the boys contested really well but unfortunately we just couldn’t quite hit the scoreboard.
In the start of the second quarter though, we converted straight away with a great goal from the much improved Tom White.
The third quarter was much like the first with a competitive performance but the scoreboard just wasn’t going our way.
The team continued to play well right to the final siren with Harry Daniel spoiling himself with a great long range goal and then putting in a massive defensive effort for teammate Ben Rourke to get on the end of the ball and kick himself a goal.
Impressive performances on the day were by captain Daniel, with his never quit attitude, continuing to collect possessions all day.
Ash Hines was moved forward this week and played his best game for the year launching at the ball in the air and on the ground which was great to see.
Pete Everingham, Ben Rourke and Logan Presley showed great signs throughout the game and continue to improve.
Sam Hurlston was also in everything and shows a great future.
The boys will hit the bye and look forward to a big game against Congupna.
Final score: Finley 3.1 (19) def by Echuca United 12.10 (82).
Goals: Harry Daniel 1, Tom White 1, Ben Rourke 1.
Best players: Ash Hines, Harry Daniel, Cooper Sutton, Sam Hurlston, Peter Everingham, Ben Rourke.
Awards: Boomerang Motors Most Courageous Cat: Ash Hines, Ross & Sarah: Ben Rourke, Finley Bakery: Peter Everingham, Tuppal Dairy: Sam Hurlston, Mannix Bulk Fuels: Logan Peasley.
Fourths
This week, Finley hosted Echuca United at home in what was anticipated to be a strong follow-up to last week’s impressive victory.
The team entered the match with high confidence, but Echuca came out with intensity from the first bounce, catching us off guard and taking early control of the game.
Despite several opportunities, we were unable to convert in the early stages, which left us chasing momentum throughout the match.
While the result didn’t fall our way, there were a number of standout individual performances that show promising signs for the group’s continued development.
Samuel Hay led from the front, courageously putting his body on the line all day.
He was well supported by Joel Fitzell, Josiah Everingham, Prince Edgar Jangao and Dominic Kelly, all contributing strongly across the ground.
Angus Urquhart made a significant impact in the second half off halfback, reading the play well and using his pace and footy IQ to rebound effectively.
Down back, Tommy Bain and Ollie Flintoft stood tall, providing a solid defensive presence under pressure.
Ultimately, our inability to maintain consistent effort across all four quarters proved costly.
However, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance.
With a bye this week, the focus shifts to regrouping and returning stronger in the next round.
Final score: Finley 2.2 (14) def by Echuca United 2.3 (15).
Goals: Sam White 1, Josiah Everingham 1.
Best players: Joel Fitzell, Samuel Hay, Angus Urquhart, Josiah Everingham, Edgar Jangao, Dom Kelly.
Awards: Pether Ag: Joel Fitzell, Clarke Family: Samuel Hay, Bauer Family: Angus Urquhart, Southern Riverina Livestock Transport: Josiah Everingham, Lucas McCaw Award: Edgar Jangao.
Under-12s
Finley under-12s dominated under the Friday night lights with a strong win over the Hoppers, keeping them to just one point for the game, with only nine players this week.
From the first bounce, Finley was switched on.
The midfield worked hard, the backline was rock-solid, and the forwards took their chances.
Everyone helped build momentum early, and the pressure never let up.
The Hoppers couldn’t break through Finley’s defence, while our team kept linking up, tackling hard, and playing smart footy.
Final score: Finley 23.20 (158) def Hoppers 0.1 (1).
Goals: Harvey Massina 5, Oli Taylor 5, Flynn Rourke 3, Kody Hamann 2, Zander Fleming 2, Jake Arthur 2, Levi Jakeman 2, Colby Price 1, Lincoln Price 1.
Awards: FFNC Canteen: Flynn Rourke, FFNC Canteen: Oli Taylor, Nutrien Footy: Kody Hamann.
Under-10s
The under-10s hit the road to take on Nathalia this week.
With a few players away, it meant everyone got heaps of touches and a chance to get right into the game.
Awesome to see such a great team effort from everyone.
Camilla and Ruby were once again tackling machines.
Big thanks to Tilly and Jimmy Fuller for jumping in and helping us out.
Final score: Not scored.
Awards: FFNC Canteen: Caleb Kennedy, FFNC Canteen: Max Valance.