Round seven for Finley, coming off a bye to rest and reset, saw them come up against Rumbalara at home.
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It was a massive chance to get on the board in 2026.
The first quarter had Rumbalara come out of the blocks hot, kicking the first two goals in quick succession, before the Cats switched on and ended the quarter 16 points up.
The Cats midfielders worked tirelessly all day, thanks to the ruck work of Doug Billings, giving them first use.
Going into the wind in the second quarter, Finley took advantage and kicked 8.4 to Rumbalara’s 1.1.
Will Sexton’s move forward continues to pay dividends, as he finished with six majors for the day. Jack Sexton also managed five of his own.
Duo Sam Barnett and Vincent Adduci found a lot of the football and used it well, both also finding three of their own majors.
After halftime, Finley continued their dominance, holding Rumbalara to only one goal for the half.
Finley’s defenders held strong and new recruit James O’Connor and Lenny Dattoli providing some run and carry out of the back half.
Jordan Taylor dominated in defence, giving the young Cats some leadership.
The last quarter saw much of the same awesome footy from Finley, kicking nine goals to finish the game.
Final score: Finley 25.10 (160) def Rumbalara 5.12 (42).
Goals: Will Sexton 6, Jack Sexton 5, Sam Barnett 3, Vincent Adduci 3, Paul Massingham 2, Will Garner 2, Cruz Nash 1, Reece Simmons 1, Luke Congram 1, Kris Bextream 1.
Best: Will Sexton, Jack Sexton, Jack Yelland, Sam Barnett, Jordan Taylor, Vincent Adduci.
Awards: Lenny Dattoli, Kris Bextream, James O’Connor, Reece Simmons, Doug Billings.
Reserves
In a hard, physical game, the Finley seconds came away with a hard fought win.
Ben Nisbet worked tirelessly all day up forward, Izzy Kuru continues to impress down back, and Spencer Hawkins consistently gave our midfield first use of the footy.
Veteran James Kennedy was at his best, collecting possessions at will, along with Levi Webster and Jeremy Congram who provided a presence up forward.
Another great team performance.
Final score: Finley 11.19 (85) def Rumbalara 6.1 (37).
Goals: Ben Nisbet 4, Nichollas Lunn 2, James Kennedy 2, Jonty King 2, Jeremy Congram 1.
Best: James Kennedy, Isaiah Kuru, Ben Nisbet, Jeremy Congram, Spencer Hawkins, Levi Webster.
Awards: Ben Nisbet, Jeremy Congram, James Kennedy, Spencer Hawkins.
Thirds
No opposition team.
Fourtsh
Another strong team performance from the boys this week, with Finley running out convincing winners over Rumbalara in what was another great skill-building game for the group.
The scoreboard reflected the effort, but more importantly the boys continued to show improvement in their ball movement, teamwork and confidence around the ground.
It was great to see players sharing the footy, working hard both ways, and sticking to the structures we’ve been building all season.
Lachlan Urquhart continued his strong form with a terrific all-round game, while Thomas Bain attacked the contest hard all day.
Jed Flanagan provided plenty of drive and intensity, Rory Burton worked tirelessly across the ground, and Hudson Daniel impressed both forward and back with his versatility and impact around the contest.
Harley Dundon also played an important role with his effort and pressure throughout the game.
Most pleasing was the way the whole side contributed from start to finish. The boys are beginning to trust each other, use their skills under pressure and play genuine team football.
Final score: Finley 20.23 (143) def Rumbalara 0.0 (0).
Goals: Orlando Orsida 4, Levi Jakeman 3, Samuel Hay 3, Noah Brindley 2, Callum Tanner 2, Jed Flanagan 2, Hudson Daniel 2, Lachlan Urquhart 2.
Best: Lachlan Urquhart, Thomas Bain, Jed Flanagan, Rory Burton, Hudson Daniel, Harley Daniel.
Awards: Lachlan Urquhart, Thomas Bain, Jed Flanagan, Rory Burton, Hudson Daniel, Harley Dundon.
Goulburn Murray Juniors
Under-12s
Our under-12s side fought hard against Cobram, but unfortunately couldn’t get the win.
The players showed great effort all day, with strong pressure, teamwork and encouragement for one another right to the final siren.
As a coach, I’m really proud of the way the group is starting to play, the way we train.
Our skills are continuing to improve and the players are growing in confidence when attacking and winning the ball, which is great to see.
Well done to all players on their effort and attitude.
Final score: Not scored.
Awards: Will P, Zander F.
Under-10s
The excited young Cats team took on a very strong Cobram side with enthusiasm and determination.
Cobram jumped the Cats, scoring several goals in the first half.
The young Cats fought back well in the second half with better work in the packs, attack on the football and team play.
We are continuing to work on our skills and clear improvement was shown with several good passages of play.
Oli was again our best scorer and Kai, Theo, Jackson, Alfie and Patrick were strong around the ground.
The whole team took the contest up to the physical well drilled Cobram unit and showed glimpses of the determination and intensity required to be a really good team.
Final score: Not scored.
Awards: Theo F, Jackson U.