An athletic and exciting Key Forward, Maley possesses elite marking and physical attributes which are poised to enable him to continue his rapid growth as a footballer.
Maley hails from a rich basketball background, with father Paul and sister Anneli both with professional experience. As a junior, Finnbar played his basketball at the Eltham Wildcats.
In 2023, Maley balanced his time between the Northern Bullants (VFL) and Eltham Football Club. Returning to Eltham for their finals campaign, Maley kicked 6 goals in their Grand Final victory.
Catching the eyes of recruiters, Maley was selected by North Melbourne at Pick 2 in the 2023 Rookie Draft.
Maley’s rise continued in 2024 as he honed his craft with North Melbourne’s VFL side, playing 18 games and kicking 18 goals while showcasing his athleticism and contested marking ability. His development as a forward-ruck hybrid was evident in his improved pressure acts and hitout numbers, earning praise from coaches and teammates alike.
In Round 8 of the 2025 AFL season, Maley made his senior debut against Essendon at Marvel Stadium, marking the occasion with a goal from his first kick - a moment that highlighted his composure and readiness for the big stage. With a strong sporting pedigree and a growing reputation, Finnbar is shaping as a key part of North Melbourne’s future forward structure.
Recruited from: Northern Bullants (VFL)/Eltham Football Club (NFNL)