Finley hosted Cobram on Saturday with a new look, youthful side for the first round of Murray League football.
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The Cats were plagued by injury throughout the game and despite a valiant effort by the young side, went down by 35 points.
Finley had 12 players depart at last season’s end and this has provided an opportunity to fast track some of their youth.
The game was played in near perfect autumn conditions with a big crowd eager to see how both sides were going to fair in 2025.
The first quarter saw the young Cats take it right up to Cobram.
Reid Crowe returning to the Cattery was able to kick their first and only goal for the term.
They were able to use the slight breeze to their advantage and capitalise on their ability to win the ball at the contest.
Finley’s defence led by Jesse McDonald, Matt Wilson and Jordan Taylor was providing solid rebound and the Cats took an 8-point lead at the first term.
The second stanza was dominated by the Tigers on the scoreboard kicking six goals to the Cats two.
Tyron Baden started to get on top in the middle of the ground and resulted in many forward thrusts.
Finley were still winning their fair share of the ball in and around the contest through first gamer Lachie Webb and Luke Moore but couldn’t find a way to turn that into scoring opportunities.
The Tigers took an 18 point lead at the main break.
During the third quarter injuries started to take their toll on the Cats.
Finley activated their sub, young Harry Daniel for his first senior game and he was able to come on straight away and have an impact.
Finley lost their coach Taylor and young enforcer Nick Lunn to injury.
The Cats continued to apply pressure but again couldn’t convert this into scores. Cobram added two more for the quarter and extended their lead to 24 points.
The last term saw the Cats continue to work hard but unfortunately couldn’t withstand the Tigers run.
The Cats had no fit men left on the bench five minutes into the quarter and this resulted in another three goals for the Tigers.
Finley fought valiantly right to the end and Paul Massingham was able to kick the last goal of the game, however Cobram were the eventual winners by 35 points.
Next week sees Finley travel to Congupna for the grand final replay.
Final score: Finley 5.6 (36) lost to Cobram 11.5 (71).
Goals: Nik Burns 1, Archie Mason 1, Reid Crowe 1, Paul Massingham 1, Mitch Carson 1
Best Players: Matt Wilson, Reid Crowe, Jesse McDonald, Luke Moore, Lachie Webb, Harry Daniel
Awards: Matt Wilson, Reid Crowe, Jesse McDonald, Lachie Webb, Harry Daniel
Reserves:
It was a beautiful day to kick off the season, but the Finley reserves were no match for Cobram despite giving 100 per cent.
The scoreboard did not reflect the way the Cats played or the output of effort.
Best was Cam Isedale who was marking everything in the backline, receiving support from Tyrelle Taylor who was also in the best players.
The mug went to first gamer Beau Lawrence, who had a very strong game.
Also getting in the best was Spencer Hawkins who battled hard in the ruck.
Justin Crowley battled hard in the back pocket for three quarters, taking some lovely kick-ins.
Another first gamer for the Cats was Jackson Haig playing an outstanding first three quarters until he unfortunately popped his shoulder; hopefully he hasn’t done any serious damage and is back soon.
Final scores: Finley 0.1 (1) lost to Cobram 11.19 (85).
Best Players: Cam Isedale, Tyrelle Taylor, Beau Lawrence, Spencer Hawkins, Jackson Haigh, Justin Crowley.
Awards: Cam Isedale, Tyrelle Taylor, Beau Lawrence, Spencer Hawkins, Jackson Haigh.
Thirds:
The thirds started their 2025 campaign against a red hot reigning premier in Cobram.
The young inexperienced side battled hard but unfortunately were no match for a side that has played a lot of football together over their junior careers.
Sam Hurlston, Harry Daniel and Cooper Sutton tried hard all day to inspire the young brigade with many playing their first game of under-17s football.
Jeremy Doolan giving away heaps of height on his opponent showed how far his football has developed in the last 12 months continually throwing himself at every contest that came his way.
Final scores: Finley 0.0 (0) lost to Cobram 22.16 (148).
Best Players: Samuel Hurlston, Harry Daniel, Cooper Sutton, Jeremy Doolan, Logan Peasley, James Winn.
Awards: Harry Daniel, Sam Hurlston, Logan Peasley, Cooper Sutton, Jeremy Doolan.
Fourths:
Round one gave the fourths a great chance to measure up against the reigning premiers.
Cobram have always been the benchmark, and it’s a level of football the Cats want to achieve.
With a couple of big outs, a few boys took it upon themselves to stand up and compete against elite Cobram players, with Noah Brindley and Angus Urquhart filling vital roles defensively.
Some younger boys pushed on offence and aimed for clearances, including Hudson Daniel leaving his man to make an impact, and Jed Flanagan putting it on the boot to get the ball moving in the right direction.
Despite the efforts of Joel Fitzel, a strong Cobram poured on the points and proved their calibre.
Hopefully the young Cats can learn from this experience.
Final scores: Finley 0.0 (0) lost to Cobram 18.16 (124).
Best Players: Noah Brindley, Joel Fitzel, Angus Urquhart, Jed Flanagan, Hudson Daniel
Awards: Noah Brindley, Angus Irquhart, Jed Flanagan, Joel Fitzel, Hudson Daniel.
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