Despite the enthusiasm and effort from the young Cats, they were ultimately outclassed by a more seasoned and cohesive Lions outfit.
Mulwala asserted their dominance early and maintained control across all areas of the ground.
Their experience and composure under pressure proved decisive, with the Lions executing clean ball movement and capitalising on scoring opportunities.
Finley showed glimpses of competitiveness throughout the match, with several promising passages of play. However, they struggled to match the intensity and structure of their opponents for four quarters.
The Cats were well-served by veterans Matt Jackson and Paul Massingham, whose leadership and work rate stood out. Young talents Isaac Lunn and Levi Webster also impressed with their determination and effort.
For Mulwala, Kyal Tyson was a standout, consistently impacting contests and driving the ball forward. Charley McKenna and Zach Scott also played pivotal roles, contributing strongly to the Lions' dominance.
While the scoreboard didn’t reflect the Cats’ spirit, the match provided valuable experience for Finley’s developing side as they continue to build toward future success.
Final score: Finley 1.5 (11) lost to Mulwala 24.18 (162).
Goals: Jonty King.
Best players: Isaac Lunn, Matt Jackson, Paul Massingham, Levi Webster, Cruz Nash, Spencer Hawkins.
Awards: Isaac Lunn, Matt Jackson, Paul Massingham, Levi Webster, Cruz Nash
Reserves
The team showed effort and commitment right up until the final siren but unfortunately were no match for a stronger Mulwala.
Best on ground could have gone to either James Kennedy or Jack Miley, as both led from the front and set a great example.
The efforts of the four thirds players who helped the Cats field a full side were much appreciated.
Down back, Sam Price was outstanding, leading by example and holding strong under pressure. Elijah Everingham also stood tall and put in a great performance.
Up forward, Kade Pyle had one of his best games of the season, kicking the side’s only two goals for the day and working hard all match. He has really turned a corner in the last three games.
Final score: Finley 2.1 (13) lost to Mulwala 26.14 (170).
Goals: Kade Pyle 2.
Best players: Jack Miley, James Kennedy, Sam Price, Elijah Everingham, Noah Iddles, Nathan Brown.
Awards: Jack Miley, James Kennedy, Sam Price, Elijah Everingham, Lachy Varley.
Thirds
The thirds, fresh off the bye, came up against the highly fancied Lions, optimistic they could improve on their last showing against them from earlier in the season.
The young Cats started the game well but couldn’t hit the scoreboard. Mulwala played a quick game style that they tried hard to restrict, but the Lions continued to kick goals.
Logan Eldridge at CHB repelled many attacks and gave his all. Captain Harry Daniel, back from injury, also tried hard all day, and it was great to have him back in the side.
Jordan Dean on the wing threw himself at the contest and his skill was on show when he gave a well timed handball to Tom White late in the game for him to kick the Cats’ only goal for the match.
The side’s second half was a little disappointing, with the young side fading in and out of the game, so that is something to work on in the last two games of the year.
Elijah Everingham showed a bright future with his harassing and effort.
The team is looking forward to the penultimate round at Numurkah and continuing the improvement from the start of the year,
Final score: Finley 1.0 (6) lost to Mulwala 18.12 (120).
Goals: Tom White 1
Best players: Logan Eldridge, Elijah Everingham, Logan Peasley, Jordan Dean, Tom Marshall, Blake Vidler.
Awards: Most Courageous Cat Logan Eldridge, Elijah Everingham, Tom Marshall, Jordan Dean, Blake Vidler.
Fourths
The fourths faced Mulwala at home, eager to show improvement since the last time the sides met.
The game started with Mulwala blitzing out of the gate, scoring early, before Finley got into gear and held back the tide through the efforts of Joel Fitzel and Jason Hay.
The second quarter saw James White making an impact in the centre, while Cambell Reynolds led the charge with his pressure around the ground, going forward with Lachy Marshall and Lincoln Cicolini to make use of the limited opportunities.
The game finished with a six goal difference, but saw the Cats improving every quarter as the competition got fiercer.
Final scores: Finley 2.0 (12) lost to Mulwala 6.12 (48).
Goals: Campbell Reynolds 2.
Best players: Campbell Reynolds, Lachlan Marshall, Samuel Hay, Jason Hay, Lincoln Cicolini, James White.
Awards: James White, Lachlan Marshall, Campbell Reynolds, Lincoln Cicolini, Joel Fitzell.
Goulburn Murray Juniors
Under-12s
The Cats travelled to Nathalia on Friday night with an undermanned side. With a slow first half, the boys responded in the second half to claw back the margin.
At the end Nathalia had the numbers and strength with the Cats going down by 13 points.
Final score: Finley 4.4 (28) lost to Nathalia 6.4 (40).
Awards: Flynn Rourke, Archie Brindley, Zander Fleming.
Under-10s:
The youngest Cats set off for their final Nathalia road trip for the season on Friday night to play the Barooga Hawks.
After a strong week on the training track, especially during Thursday’s session, the team was ready to put their hard work into action - and they certainly did!
Every player stepped up and showed fantastic teamwork, which has been a big focus for the season.
It was especially great to see so many players hitting the scoreboard, a true sign of how well the team is gelling and sharing the footy around.
It was another great win for the mighty little Cats.
Awards: Ruby Fuller, Dom Orsida.
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