New Cat debuts
Finley unveiled new recruit Tim Meulendyks in their 96 point loss to Tongala on Saturday in Murray Football League.
The key position player made an immediate impact, playing onball at the opening bounce and collecting the first centre clearance of the match.
Meulendyks showed his versatility as well, moving forward and kicking the Cats first two goals in the first quarter.
The home side went into the first break level with Tongala after an inspired start.
But the Blues took control from that point forward to run away with it.
A returning Mitch Ryan was Finley’s best in his first game since a hamstring injury in the final round of last year and young onballer Luke Moore was also impressive.
Tongala were best served by onballers Riley Bacon, Alex Williams and Bailey Waasdorp with Jordan Souter their best avenue to goal with four majors.
Final score, Tongala 19.13 (127) to Finley 4.7 (31).
Finley coach Rob Daniel was proud of his side’s efforts early in the contest.
‘‘We were up for the challenge,’’ he said.
‘‘Unfortunately as the game wore on we just couldn’t keep up with them.
‘‘Tonny are a good, young running side and they exploited that on Saturday.
‘‘It was fantastic to see Mitch Ryan pull on the boots for us. He can’t commit to playing a full season but he did say he will most likely come back and help out from time to time.
‘‘With Meulendyks joining us we should be able to be more competitive this year.’’
For the first time this season, the Cats had enough players to field a reserves side.
While they went down by 150 points, Daniel was pleased the club was finally able to get a side on the park.
He was equally as excited to have Meulendyks on board for the year.
‘‘He’s moved to Finley to work as a stock and station agent so were quite lucky to have him,’’ he said.
‘‘He can kick with either his left or right boot and I’m pretty sure he kicked his first goal off his left and second off his right.’’
Meulendyks has plenty of talent, recently playing for Central District in the South Australian National Football League.
While mainly playing for the reserves in the SANFL, the 23 yearold did play eight senior games for the club in 2013.
He is also a former best and fairest winner for the defunct Hamilton Imperials, winning the medal in his first year of senior footy.
Meulendyks was originally set to play for South Australian club Mallala before a job opportunity at Landmark Mills as a stock and station agent came up for him.
Finley president Ashley Haynes said he was happy with the latest acquisition.
‘‘Tim has a wealth of experience in the sheep industry and wanted to be working in a rural area,’’ he said.
‘‘Luckily the job at Landmark Mills came up and we’re able to welcome him to the Finley community.
‘‘Tim will be a fantastic addition to not only the football club, but the whole town in general.’’
Finley is yet to win a game in the opening six rounds and this week travels to play Mulwala.