The first quarter was played at a frenetic pace, with both sides trading blows and only two points separating them at the first break.
Tongala gained the upper hand in the second term, making the most of their forward entries to slot five goals to Finley’s two.
Despite fielding one of their youngest sides for the season, the Cats showed resilience around the contest, winning plenty of contested ball but struggling to convert that effort into scoreboard pressure.
The final quarter was a tight, evenly played stanza, with each team managing just a goal apiece. Finley continued to fight hard, but Tongala’s class and polish going forward proved decisive.
For the home side, Jacob Armer and Mitchell Carson led by example, while second-gamer Will Doolan impressed with his diligence and effort.
Tongala’s victory was built off the contributions of Jack Hammond, Jesse Johnstone and Kyle Fitzgerald, who were instrumental in keeping the pressure on Finley throughout the match.
Final score: Finley 6.10 (46) lost to Tongala 10.15 (75).
Goals: Paul Massingham, Nick Burns, Marcus Anderson, Mitch Carson, Levi Webster, Mitch Bowman.
Best Players: Jacob Armer, Mitch Carson, Will Doolan, Cruz Nash, Mitch Bowman, Tom O’Leary
Awards: Jacob Armer, Mitch Carson, Will Doolan, Cruz Nash, Lachy Hawkins.
Reserves
On an ordinary day for footy, the Cats took on Tongala in what turned out to be a hard-fought contest.
Despite a strong effort from the team, they ultimately fell short, going down in a spirited match.
Harry Daniel, backing up after playing in the thirds, was a standout performer, leading by example and showing the older men how to attack the footy with intent and courage.
It was great to see Jimmy Ford back in the Finley colours, playing his first game for the club in a few years.
He slotted seamlessly into defence and put in a solid performance across the backline.
Noah Iddles bounced back from a couple of quieter weeks with a strong showing, thanks in part to the support of his brother Jack, who stepped up to help the team out.
Josh Gemmill delivered one of his best games of the season, finding plenty of the ball and driving play forward with confidence.
Mitch Hawkins continued his good run of form, this time taking charge at centre halfback and holding the line well under pressure.
Louis Capitaine and Harrison King also contributed positively, both hitting the scoreboard with a goal each and applying pressure around the contest.
It was great to see Brad Gatty playing for the Cats and also having Nick Lunn back out there, both making a valuable contribution.
While the result didn’t go the Cats’ way, there was plenty to like about the effort and commitment from the group.
Final score: Finley 4.7 (31) lost to Tongala 9.17 (71).
Goals: Harrison King, Louis Capitaine, Mitchell Hawkins, Noah Iddles.
Best players: Harry Daniel, James Ford, Josh Gemmill, Noah Iddles, Louis Capitaine, Mitchell Hawkins
Awards: Harry Daniel, James Ford, Josh Gemmill, Noah Iddles, Mitchell Hawkins
Under-17s
The Cats came up against a Tongala side who are in the top six and trying to keep pace with the top sides.
Unfortunately with the boarding school boys as well as a couple of others away the side was short this week but Tongala helped out by providing some players, which was appreciated.
The aim was to continue with our improved starts and that continued on Saturday, led superbly by co-captain Harry Daniel (2 goals).
The other co-captain Cooper Sutton, showed great leadership, controlling the backline while also playing on a key player for Tonny.
The rest of our backs in Elijah and Pete Everingham, Ash Hines and Ryan Bauer were great all game with their pressure and close checking.
New player Jack Iddles helped the forward line, providing a great focal point as well as bringing some contested possessions and pressure.
The midfielders in Tom White, Jeremy Doolan (one goal) and Blake Vidler continued their improvement and never gave up.
Some of the younger brigade in Max Knight and Thomas Marshall also had some great moments, and it was pleasing to see their development.
Final score: Finley 3.0 (18) lost to Tongala 9.10 (64).
Goals: Harry Daniel 2, Jeremy Doolan.
Best players: Harry Daniel, Ryan Bauer, Ash Hines, Cooper Sutton, Peter Everingham, Jeremy Doolan
Awards: Harry Daniel, Ryan Bauer, Ash Hines, Cooper Sutton, Peter Everingham
Under-14s
The fourths hosted their Tongala opponents on a field that was half-covered in fog.
The game began with both sides competing for territory, and the opposition got off to a high-pressure start, locking the Finley backline in for half of the quarter.
After some time to collect themselves, and following the lead of Campbell Reynolds and Angus Urquhart, the Cats rallied and got the ball down forward and onto the boots of Judd Clarke and Orlando Orsida, who didn’t let the poor visibility stop them from scoring.
The game continued to be frosty underfoot, and resulted in a physical game where only the most sure-skilled players could break through the packs and get clearances.
With Dom Kelly following up and competing on the ground as well as in the air, and Noah Brindley racing out in front to be consistently first to the ball, Finley slowly but surely got the ball down forward in front of big bodies like Mitch Bain and Josiah Everingham.
In the end, Judd led the scoring with a six goal effort and a loud voice that could be heard anywhere in the park.
It was a fantastic team effort, bringing in the four points for Finley.
Final score: Finley 13.11 (89) def Tongala 0.5 (5).
Goals: Judd Clarke 6, Orlando Orsida 3, Josiah Everingham 2, Angus Urquhart, Campbell Reynolds.
Best players: Campbell Reynolds, Angus Urquhart, Orlando Orsida, Dom Kelly, Judd Clarke, Noah Brindley.
Awards: Campbell Reynolds, Judd Clarke, Dom Kelly, Orlando Orsida, Angus Urquhart, Noah Brindley.
Under-12s
On a very cold night at Barooga, the young Cats took on Nathalia Knights.
Before the game, coaches spoke about the importance of a good start and that’s exactly what the players did, with a great tap out in the ruck, a kick forward resulting in a shot on goal.
In the second quarter, Nathalia added more pressure but couldn’t hit the scoreboard and Finley took full advantage with the forwards kicking straight.
Not much changed in the second half as Finley continued to practice the game style they want to play and sharing the ball. They finished with eight goalscorers in a very pleasing victory.
Final score: Finley 104 def Nathalia 0.
Goals: Will Harris 4, Harvey Massina 4, Levi Jakeman 2, Kody Hamann, Flynn Rourke, Lachy Urquhart, Clancy Gatty, Oli Taylor.
Awards: Lincoln Price, Will Harris, Oli Taylor, Levi Jakeman.
Under-10s
The Finley Cats braved the cold conditions to take on the Cobram Tigers in a spirited contest.
They had a quiet start, but once the team found their voices and stuck to their players, the game began to flow much better.
While the Cats didn’t come away with the win, the backline put in a strong performance and should be proud of their efforts.
Awards: Jackson Urquhart, Max White, Caleb Kennedy.
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