Finley were no match for a strong Congupna side in their Murray League clash on Saturday.
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After the general bye, despite the home ground advantage the Cats came up against a side that is very much the heavyweights of the competition.
The first quarter as usual saw a pretty even contest with Congupna kicking with the wind and kicking two goals in the first to Finley no goals.
Matt Whelan played some of his best footy, moving around the defence and nullifying his opponent. Jake Armer was also back to his best in defence.
Finley went into the main break down 19 points.
After half-time, Congupna flexed their muscles, keeping Finley goalless again and nailing four of their own majors in the third term.
Jack Sexton did what he does best, winning the footy around the ground then getting forward and hitting the scoreboard with three of his own majors.
Isaac Lunn and Will Sexton worked hard all day and Lenny Dattoli had some more ruck time.
In the end Congupna were too good but Finley will take some positives away from the day.
Final score: Finley 6.6 (42) def by Congupna 13.8 (86).
Goals: Jack Sexton 3, Reece Simmons 1, Kris Bextream 1, Josh Everingham 1.
Best: Matt Whelan, Jacob Armer, Jack Sexton, Isaac Lunn, Lenny Dattoli, Will Sexton.
Awards: Matt Whelan, Jacob Armer, Isaac Lunn, Nick Lunn.
Reserves
The Finley Reserves battled hard but were unable to overcome a strong Congupna outfit, going down by 23 points in a competitive contest.
Despite the final margin, Finley showed plenty of determination throughout the day and had several opportunities to take control of the match.
The forwards created enough chances to hit the front but were unable to apply scoreboard pressure, with missed opportunities proving costly as Congupna made the most of theirs.
Finley matched Congupna’s intensity for long periods, with the midfield working tirelessly and the backline producing several important stops under pressure.
Final score: Finley 6.11 (47) def by Congupna 11.4 (70).
Goals: Lachlan Hawkins 1, James Kennedy 1, Chris Wright 1, Ben Nisbet 1, Jeremy Congram 1, Luke Congram 1.
Best: Marcus Anderson, Cameron Isedale, Jack Miley, Will Doolan, Luke Congram, Spencer Hawkins.
Awards: Marcus Anderson, Cameron Isedale, Jack Miley, Will Doolan.
Under-17s
Fresh off a bye, the boys were keen to have a big game in their hunt for a much deserved win. With school holidays providing headaches with unavailability, four of the young under 14’s in Jed Flanagan, Sam Hay, Huddy Daniel and Orlando Orsida stepped up to help out.
The start was a little slow allowing the Roaders to get a break that they held all game.
All game the focus was pressure and tackling which the team completed well.
The headline to this was Nick Chesworth, Mitch Bain and Blake Vidler. Jackson Tooke rucked all game and gathered the ball well around the ground.
Tom White, Darcy Sutton and Tom Marshall showed plenty of fight and determination all game. Lachie Marshall, James White and Jed Flanagan continued to embrace attacking the ground balls and showed improved skill by hand and foot.
Goal kickers Campbell Reynolds kicked a beauty from 40 metres out and Orlando Orsida who drew a 50m penalty that put him in the goal square.
Final score: Finley 2.4 (16) def by Congupna 9.3 (57).
Goals: Campbell Reynolds 1, Orlando Orsida 1.
Best: Nick Chesworth, Jackson Tooke, Tom Marshall, Mitch Bain, James White, Lachy Marshall.
Awards: Nick Chesworth, Jackson Tooke, Tom Marshall, Mitch Bain, James White, Lachlan Marshall.
Under-14s
The young Cats put together a polished four-quarter performance on Saturday morning, defeating Congupna by 135 points. The victory was built on relentless pressure, unselfish ball movement and a commitment from every player to play their role.
Hudson Daniel was once again outstanding, reading the play brilliantly, intercepting strongly and providing plenty of drive with his clean ball use.
Lachlan Urquhart continued his strong form, showing great composure and using the ball well to launch countless attacks. Jed Flanagan worked tirelessly all day, winning plenty of the football and setting the standard with his attack on the contest.
Noah Brindley was influential through the midfield from the opening bounce, providing plenty of drive and finishing with two goals. Captain Samuel Hay led by example once again with his leadership, work rate and toughness around the contest.
Orlando Orsida spent time through the midfield before pushing forward late in the game, where he finished strongly with four final-quarter goals.
Tommy Bain played one of his best games of the season. His pressure, second efforts and willingness to do the team things were outstanding and played a big role in the team’s dominant display.
It was also fantastic to welcome Archie Brindley and Zander Fleming up from the Under-12s. Both boys embraced the challenge, competed strongly and slotted seamlessly into the side, showing plenty of promise for the future.
Final score: Finley 19.22 (136) def Congupna 0.1 (1).
Goals: Orlando Orsida 4, Jed Flanagan 4, Lachlan Urquhart 3, Noah Brindley 2, Callum Tanner 2, Harley Dundon 2, Will Harris 1, Flynn Rourke 1.
Best: Hudson Daniel, Lachlan Urquhart, Jed Flanagan, Noah Brindley, Samuel Hay, Orlando Orsida.
Awards: Hudson Daniel, Lachlan Urquhart, Tommy Bain, Noah Brindley, Zander Fleming, Orlando Orsida.
Goulburn Murray Juniors
Under-12s
The team put in a determined performance but were unable to match a strong Cobram side, going down after a spirited four-quarter effort.
The young Cats never gave up, showing great determination, teamwork, and effort throughout the game. Finley continued to attack the contest, with players working hard around the ball and supporting one another across the ground.
There were plenty of encouraging signs, with strong passages of play, excellent defensive pressure, and a willingness to keep competing until the final siren.
Every player contributed, demonstrating the positive attitude and team-first approach that continues to drive the group’s development.
Awards: Caleb Kennedy, Will Platfuss.