Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has sung the praises of Jeremy Finlayson, who put aside the serious health concerns of his wife Kellie to play a pivotal role in a thrilling two-point victory over Sydney.
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The Power tall forward booted the final goal of the game on Saturday to give his side the lead with less than two minutes remaining, but had to watch on as Swans midfielder Ollie Florent then fell short with a last-gasp set shot on the siren.
Finlayson ended with a game-high three goals as the Power overran the injury-hit Swans to snatch a 9.12 (66) to 9.10 (64) victory at the SCG.
The 27-year-old Finlayson was one of the most influential players on the ground despite his wife Kellie battling terminal lung cancer.
"He's got a really tight, really incredibly close family, and he's got a really close family at our footy club as well," Hinkley said.
"His family and our family join together, and we support their family and he supports us, and that's how you get through.
"That's why footy clubs are great environments when things are not going your way."
Finlayson joined the Power from GWS in an AFL trade at the end of 2021 for a future third-round pick.
The versatile forward-ruck had made his way through the Giants academy and played 66 games for the club but requested a move to South Australia for family reasons.
Kellie was diagnosed with lung cancer just months after finishing treatment for bowel cancer, which had emerged soon after the birth of their daughter Sophia in 2021.
"Jeremy has been a really important part of our footy club for over a year now and he's really fitted in well," Hinkley said.
"He's obviously got some other stuff that goes on off the field which are incredible struggles for him and Kel.
"We're there to support him in that but he's doing his best to support us, everything he possibly can.
"He's had surgery this year already, he's had a few things that are pretty tough for him to handle.
"I didn't mind who kicked it, I'm just grateful that we kicked it, but I'm equally pleased it was Jeremy."
Finlayson fought back tears while talking to Channel 7 moments after the final siren.
"I hope she's watching. I love her so much," Finlayson said.
"This is just a reward of sticking tough, and doing it for Kel and Soph back home.
"I'm just happy to be out here playing footy and doing what I love."
Australian Associated Press
