In the second-last round of the 2025 Murray Football League season, Numurkah welcomed Finley to their home ground for a spirited contest.
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While the scoreboard didn’t light up, the Blues did enough to secure the win, despite a determined defensive effort from the young Cats.
Finley, who have endured a tough season, showed signs of growth and resilience.
After a slow start, they tightened up defensively in the second half, successfully limiting Numurkah’s scoring opportunities and keeping the game within reach.
Beau Lawrance provided Finley’s only major of the day, while Dan O’Bryan, Crus Nash, and Levi Webster were standout performers, consistently competing and applying pressure across the ground.
For the home side, Kepler Lukies and Braydon Sutton were solid contributors, helping the Blues maintain control and composure throughout the match.
Their efforts were instrumental in keeping Numurkah ahead and managing the tempo of the game.
Though the Cats didn’t come away with the win, their second-half effort and the continued development of their young squad offer promising signs heading into the final round.
Final score: Finley 1.6 (12) def by Numurkah 20.12 (132).
Goals: Beau Lawrence.
Best players: Dan O’Bryan, Cruz Nash, Levi Webster, Lachy Hawkins, Paul Massingham, Lachy Webb.
Awards: Dan O’Bryan, Cruz Nash, Levi Webster, Lachy Hawkins, Beau Lawrence.
Reserves
On Saturday, the Reserves boys went down to Numurkah by 14 goals in a tough contest.
The lads started strongly, showing plenty of heart and effort in the opening term, heading into the first break just two goals down.
Fraser Hawkins set the tone early, giving our on-ballers first use of the footy with some dominant ruck work.
Captain Bubba - Paul Collins - led from the front and worked tirelessly through the midfield all day.
Jackson Tooke was named best on ground after an outstanding effort, backing up from the Under 17s and making a huge impact against bigger bodies. A massive effort.
Down back, Sam Price stood tall, leading the way in defence with composure and determination.
Jack Miley put in another strong shift through the middle, continuing his consistent form.
A highlight of the day came from Jake Smith, who played his best game of the year - slotting a goal early and not being able to wipe the smile off his face!
While the scoreboard didn’t go our way after quarter-time, there were still plenty of positives to take away.
We now turn our focus to next week’s final round clash against Barooga, and we’re hoping to finish the season on a high.
Final score: Finley 2.6 (18) def by Numurkah 16.13 (109).
Goals: Jacob Smith, Justin Crowley.
Best players: Jackson Tooke, Sam Price, Jack Miley, James Kennedy, Jonty Brunt, Jacob Smith.
Awards: Jackson Tooke, Sam Price, Jack Miley, Jacob Smith, James Kennedy.
Thirds
The boys headed down to Numurkah for our final away game of 2025, ready to gauge our improvement from earlier in the season.
With a few inclusions, the coach had a full arsenal at his disposal.
Sam Hurlston started the game on fire and never relented, continually gathering disposals and spoiling himself with three goals for the match.
Charlie Rorato took off from where he left off from his games earlier in the season, also treating himself with three goals. He gave the team a great focal point up forward.
Harry Daniel, Blake Vidler and ruckman Jackson Tooke worked well together around the ground.
In the backline, Logan Eldridge, Ryan Bauer, Elijah Everingham and Logan Presley (1) repelled plenty of Numurkah’s attacking moves, then advanced our ball movement going forward.
First year winger Jordan Dean continued a strong patch of form, getting in and under, and was supported on the other wing by James Winn.
An overall, extremely strong team effort by our boys to come away with a much deserved nine point win.
Final score: Finley 7.5 (47) def Numurkah 5.8 (38).
Our aim for the end of this season is to show our improvement, and never stop until the final siren.
We look forward to finishing our season this weekend at home in front of our supporters.
Goals: Sam Hurlston 3, Charlie Rorato 3, Logan Peasley.
Best players: Sam Hurlston, Charlie Rorato, Harry Daniel, Ryan Bauer, Logan Peasley, James Winn.
Awards: Charlie Rorato, Sam Hurlston, Jackson Tooke, Ryan Bauer, Logan Peasley.
Fourths
On Saturday, the team travelled to Numurkah for what was expected to be a competitive and spirited contest – and it certainly delivered.
The boys arrived with plenty of energy and enthusiasm, which translated into a strong start, kicking four straight goals to open the match.
This early momentum set the tone for the rest of the game.
Our midfield group worked tirelessly throughout, particularly in the first half, providing strong defensive coverage while also capitalising on forward opportunities – an area that has challenged us at times this season.
Their honest and disciplined work was a key factor in our overall performance.
It was fantastic to see several of our young players step up and make significant contributions.
Noah Brindley, Samuel Hay, Callum Tanner, Orlando Orsida, Hudson Daniel, and Jed Flanagan all played pivotal roles and continue to grow as future leaders of this team.
Jason Hay delivered an outstanding performance, effectively shutting down one of Numurkah’s key players while also contributing to our attacking movement.
Angus Urquhart was once again influential, using his strengths across the ground to great effect, proving to be a real game-changer.
Campbell Reynolds, despite managing recent injury setbacks, showed his trademark toughness and consistency – bringing his usual hard, contested football and 100 per cent effort.
We now look to finish the season on a high note next Saturday.
Final scores: Finley 5.6 (36) def Numurkah 0.2 (2).
Goals: Orlando Orsida 2, Judd Clarke, Callum Tanner, Angus Urquhart.
Best players: Jason Hay, Noah Brindley, Orlando Orsida, Callum Tanner, Josiah Everingham, Jed Flanagan.
Awards: Jason Hay, Noah Brindley, Orlando Orsida, Callum Tanner, Josiah Everingham.
Goulburn Murray Juniors
Under-12s:
This week, Finley took on the Hoppers in front of a good crowd for the last home game at Finley for the year.
After a loss last week, the young Cats were determined to get a good start and that they did, kicking the first goal within the first minute, and it flowed on from there.
Their use of the ball was clean and there was plenty of run in attack and defence, finishing the night with a great win.
With the grand final game this week, they’ve got a big challenge ahead to beat Cobram.
Final scores: Finley 21.9 (135) def Hoppers 1.1 (7).
Goals: Zander 5, Olli 4, Harvey 3, Levi 2, Jake A 2, Will 2, Colby 2, Flynn.
Awards: Levi, Zander, Jake, Colby, Harvey, Lachy U.
Under-10s:
The Finley Cats played their final home game of the season on Friday night, against the undefeated Cobram Tigers.
While we didn’t walk away with the win, our young Cats put on one of their best performances of the year, pushing the Tigers harder than we ever have before in a tightly contested game.
Will Plattfuss was outstanding, showing incredible hustle and determination as he chased down and took control of loose balls all over the ground.
Caleb Kennedy lit up the scoreboard with some brilliant goals, and Colton Johnson impressed with strong tackles and safe hands, pulling in some great marks.
It was another tremendous team effort, with every Cat giving their all and working together to challenge one of the toughest sides in the competition.
A huge thank you to our senior Cats who came along to cheer on the team – your support means the world to these young players!
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