However, while The Road are again strong in 2025, the result showed it will be a year of development for the Cats.
Before the game, the 2024 flag was unfurled, and it was followed by a frustrating start for Finley.
Injuries to Luke Moore in the first contest of the day and a knock to Will Sexton put the Cats on the back foot against the impressive Congupna outfit.
The Roaders continued the momentum throughout the day, controlling the speed of the game.
The Cats weren’t able to turn the tide and the Roaders ran away big winners.
Despite the scoreline, some young Cats showed great promise against the benchmark of the competition, including Jordan Sykes, Isaac Lunn and Cruz Nash through the middle as well as Jacob Armour down back.
The young Cats are excited to welcome Tom Hawkins to help take on arch rivals Deniliquin in the annual Good Friday encounter.
Final scores: Finley 3.7 (25) lost to Congupna 30.15 (195).
Goals: Mitch Carson 1, Jordan Sykes 1, Jack Sexton 1
Best Players: Isaac Lunn, Jordan Sykes, Jack Sexton, Jacob Armer, Mitch Carson, Jesse McDonald.
Awards: Isaac Lunn, Jordan Sykes, Jack Sexton, Jacob Armer, Mitch Carson.
Reserves
In extremely hot playing conditions, Finley reserves put in a strong effort against Congupna, particularly early in the game where the players showed great intensity and commitment. Despite the challenging weather, the team continued to push hard and represent the club with pride against tough opposition.
Goal scorers for the day were Harrison King and Reece Simmonds, both taking their chances well up forward.
A special mention to Jeremy Doolan, who backed up brilliantly to play a second game after already running out in the under-17s earlier. His effort and commitment to the jumper didn’t go unnoticed.
Spencer Hawkins was outstanding in the ruck all day, battling hard and giving our midfield every chance with his tireless work around the ground.
There were plenty of positives to build on, and it was great to see the effort and resilience in tough conditions.
Final scores: Finley 2.10 (22) lost to Congupna 15.11 (101).
Goals: Reece Simmons, Harrison King.
Best Players: Spencer Hawkins, Will Doolan, Jonty King, Harrison King, Harry Haynes, Robbie Hamann.
Awards: Spencer Hawkins, Will Doolan, Jonty King, Harrison King, Harry Haynes.
Thirds
The under-17s headed to Congupna on Saturday ready to rebound from a tough first round defeat. Boosted by the inclusion of a number of Jerilderie boys who had the bye, the boys started with an arm wrestle in the first quarter but were able to hold a one goal lead at the break.
The second quarter was the stage of the game where the young Cats extended their lead and kept Congupna at bay. After half-time the team held control of the game for most part, but to Congupna’s credit the Cats couldn’t get away until late in the match.
Notable performances for the day were Cooper Sutton (2 goals), Jackson Tooke who rucked all day, two Jerilderie boys in Charlie Rorato (3 goals) and James Winn (2 goals) who added some spark to the forward line, Blake Vidler, Logan Eldridge and Harry Daniel who provided run from the midfield.
It was a great first win this season for the young Cats ahead of a huge game on Good Friday.
Final scores: Finley 8.8 (56) def Congupna 2.3 (15)
Goals: Charlie Rorato 3, Cooper Sutton 2, James Winn 2, Harry Daniel.
Best Players: Blake Vidler, James Winn, Charlie Rorato, Jackson Tooke, Cooper Sutton, Jeremy Doolan.
Awards: Blake Vidler, Charlie Rorato, James Winn, Jackson Tooke, Cooper Sutton.
Fourths
After a tough first round, the under-14 boys hit the track hard all week and put it together on Saturday, coming away with a 15 point win.
With the likes of Noah Brindley, Lach Urquhart and Joel Fitzell dominating down back, Jason Hay and Angus Urquhart stepping up as captain and using their strength to help around the ground, everyone stepped up and played a role in the win.
It’s just the start, as these young Cats strive to get the most out of this season, with a young but talented and capable group. The club is excited to see what can be achieved collectively and individually.
Final scores: Finley 3.7 (25) def Congupna 1.4 (10)
Goals: Judd Clarke, Angus Urquhart, Lachlan Urquhart.
Best Players: Noah Brindley, Joel Fitzell, Lachlan Urquhart, Jed Flanagan, Jason Hay
Awards: Noah Brindley, Joel Fitzell, Lachlan Urquhart, Jed Flanagan, Jason Hay.
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