In challenging wet conditions, Finley travelled to Nathalia for the annual Rex James Stockfeed and Kelly Grains Cup, bringing with them a youthful side full of optimism.
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The opening quarter was tightly contested, with just 11 points separating the teams at the first break.
The second term saw the home side, Nathalia, begin to assert their authority on the contest.
The Purples kicked three goals while restricting the Cats to just one.
Finley’s wings were well-served by the evergreen Paul Massingham and the energetic Archie Mason, who provided plenty of run and drive.
However, Nathalia’s Henry Congues and Jordan Koo proved dangerous and influential, helping the Purples build momentum.
The third quarter was evenly matched, with both sides adding two goals apiece. Finley showed resilience and continued to push against the more experienced Nathalia outfit.
In the final term, the Purples put the result beyond doubt, slamming home four unanswered goals to run out 54-point winners.
Despite the margin, Finley’s spirited effort was commendable.
Their young and developing side gained valuable experience against a top-six contender, showing glimpses of promise for the future.
Final score: Finley 4.3 (27) lost to Nathalia 11.15 (81).
Goals: Fraser Hawkins, Mitch Carson, Isaac Lunn, Paul Massingham.
Best players: Paul Massingham, Archie Mason, Isaac Lunn, Dan O’Bryan, Jesse McDonald, Matt Jackson.
Awards: Archie Mason, Isaac Lunn, Dan O’Bryan, Cam Isedale, Lachy Kerr.
Reserves
On a wet and cold day made for tough footy, Nathalia proved too strong, getting the better of the Cats by the final siren.
Despite the result, there were plenty of positives to take away.
Cougar McGrath, playing his first game for the year, made an immediate impact, showing what it means to have a crack!
His efforts earned him the well-deserved Cat of the Week hat.
As always, Noah Iddles and skipper Bubba Kennedy led from the front.
Their leadership and commitment set the tone for the group and kept the team in the fight.
Jonty Brunt continued his strong form; it’s been a huge boost having him in the side, and he’s thriving in his role.
Jack Miley and Nathan Brown gave everything all day, never taking a backwards step. Their work rate and resilience stood out in tough conditions.
While the scoreboard didn’t go the Cats’ way, the effort and intent was something to keep building on.
Final score: Finley 0.3 (3) def by Nathalia 7.11 (53).
Best players: Cougar McGrath, Noah Iddles, James Kennedy, Jonty Brunt, Jack Miley, Nathan Brown.
Awards: Cougar McGrath, Noah Iddles, James Kennedy, Jonty Brunt, Nathan Brown.
Thirds
The boys ventured down to Nathalia full of optimism, although severely undermanned through injury, unavailability and boys back at boarding school.
Captain Jeremy Doolan, with his never say die attitude, continued his vast improvement.
It’s this attitude and skill that earned him his first senior game this week as sub.
Tom White and fellow captain Elijah Everingham also showed their resolve all day with endless pressure and hard work.
The younger brigade through Blake Vidler, Ryan Bauer, Corey Dundon and Logan Peasley keep improving every game.
Jack Iddles and Ash Hines showed how valuable they are to the side with their presence up forward, always trying to create scoring opportunities.
Unfortunately, Saturday’s game wasn’t the side’s day on the scoreboard, but the boys' attitude and never giving up is an enormous credit to them.
Final score: Finley 0.1 (1) def by Nathalia 13.13 (91).
Best players: Jeremy Doolan, Tom White, Blake Vidler, Jack Iddles, Elijah Everingham, Ryan Bauer.
Awards: Jack Iddles, Ryan Bauer, Elijah Everingham, Tom White, Blake Vidler.
Fourths
The young Cats faced Nathalia, arriving a few players short and with a late call up, many players had to try new positions for the first time.
The Purples came out firing, grabbing an early lead with high pressure play and locking it in against the Cats, with most of the counterattack coming from Gus Urquhart, who provided good disposal and created turnovers with his tackling and accountability.
Jason Hay motored across halfback, splitting packs and digging to the bottom of each scrimmage to get the ball in his hands.
The Cats had some opportunities in the second and third quarters, with Harley Dundon running both ways hard to get the loose ball and outrun the competition.
Jed Flanagan tried his hand at a kick behind play role, that saw him lead the way in getting the ball past Nathalia’s wall of dominant talls.
Though the team only managed one major score for the day, they had opportunities, and recovered under pressure to concede less points as the game went on, with Hudson Daniels starting to take marks and gather possessions.
Final score: Finley 1.1 (7) def by Nathalia 9.11 (65).
Goal: Angus Urquhart.
Best players: Angus Urquhart, Hudson Daniel, Harley Dundon, Jason Hay, Jed Flanagan.
Awards: Angus Urquhart, Hudson Daniel, Harley Dundon, Jason Hay, Jed Flanagan.
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