Finley headed down to Nathalia to kick off their third game of the Murray League season on Saturday, wanting to get on the board with their first win.
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The conditions were quite good with a slight breeze to the Cats’ advantage in the first quarter.
Vincent Adduci got the first major early and put the pressure on the Purps before Reece Simmons added another for the term.
The Cats kept Nathalia goaless in the first quarter.
The second quarter saw more of an arm wrestle with Nathalia managing to hit the scoreboard a few times, and Finley only getting the one goal in the term through Lenny Dattoli.
At the main break the Cats held a four point lead.
After half time Nathalia came out hot putting a lot of pressure back on Finley.
Jake Armer was strong in defence all day and a move to the backline this week for Will Sexton was a positive one.
Although the defensive efforts were enormous, the Purps still managed three goals to Finley’s nil for the term.
This gave Nathalia a 14 point lead going into the last quarter.
Finley’s midfield group worked hard all day through Lachie Hawkins, Jack Sexton, Jack Yelland and Vinnie Adduci and the Cats made a late charge getting within a kick at one stage, but the lack of scoreboard pressure throughout the game proved costly in the end.
Nathalia were ultimately too good by the final siren winning by nine points.
The Cats are now 0-3 going into a huge Anzac Day clash with Mulwala, at home, under lights.
Final score: Finley 6.6 (42) def by Nathalia 7.9 (51).
Goals: Lenny Dattoli, Will Sexton, Reece Simmons, James Kennedy, Will Garner, Vincent Adduci.
Best players: Jacob Armer, Jack Sexton, Will Sexton, Jack Yelland, Lachy Hawkins, Vincent Adduci.
Awards: Jacob Armer, Isaac Lunn, Reece Simmons, Lachy Hawkins.
Reserves
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Final score: Finley 8.7 (55) def Nathalia 2.4 (16).
Goals: Jonty King 2, Levi Webster 2, Harry Daniel, Lachy Webb, Beau Lawrence, Ben Nisbet.
Best players: Isaiah Kuru, Spencer Hawkins, Jade Duroux, Matt Jackson, Harry Daniel, Lachy Webb.
Awards: Isaiah Kuru, Spencer Hawkins, Jade Duroux, Lachy Webb.
Thirds
Finley’s start to the game was fantastic, kicking the first two goals of the game through Tom White and Jackson Tooke receiving a great handball from Corey Dundon off a great contested mark.
Blake Vidler was in absolutely everything all game long inspiring his teammates with his attack on the ball and tackling.
Despite his small stature he never takes a backwards step.
Jackson Tooke started a memorable day for him playing his first senior game as sub by following up on Blake’s lead trying to take control around the ground and in aerial contests.
Ryan Bauer and Tom White led the defence stoically all game and were complemented well by the reliable Jason Hay.
His strong marking and presence over the ball when in his area were a pleasing feature of his game.
Tom Marshall worked tirelessly at centre half forward all game often finding himself making contests from difficult situations and trying to provide opportunities for his younger teammates.
Unfortunately the Purps were too strong for us on the weekend but the team’s effort all day was there for our supporters to see.
Final score: Finley 2.0 (12) def by Nathalia 16.11 (107).
Goals: Jackson Tooke, Tom White.
Best players: Blake Vidler, Jason Hay, Tom White, Jackson Tooke, Ryan Bauer, Angus Urquhart.
Awards: Blake Vidler, Jason Hay, Tom White, Jackson Tooke, Ryan Bauer.
Fourths
A strong all-round performance saw the Cats come away with a dominant win over Nathalia.
The boys brought great pressure, teamwork and intensity across the ground.
A highlight was first year under-14 Flynn Rourke, who kicked an impressive five goals in a standout game.
Captain Samuel Hay enjoyed his best game of the season so far, after recovering from illness.
Orlando Orsida is proving a key target up forward with three goals of his own.
Huddy Daniel, once again, was influential around the contest in the midfield and a rock across half back.
Lincoln Cicolini, despite his size continually put his body on the line.
The Purps were competitive around the contest but once the young Cats were able to use their handball game to get to the outside of the wide expanses of the Nathalia ground, their speed and superior ball movement kept the scoreboard ticking for the whole game.
Final score: Finley 12.10 (82) def Nathalia 0.1 (1).
Goals: Flynn Rourke 5, Orlando Orsida 3, Noah Brindley, Thomas Bain, Jed Flanagan, Lincoln Cicolini.
Best players: Callum Tanner, Samuel Hay, Lincoln Cicolini, Hudson Daniel, Jackson Pyle, Flynn Rourke.
Awards: Callum Tanner, Samuel Hay, Lincoln Cicolini, Jackson Pyle, Hudson Daniel, Flynn Rourke.