[1][2] He grew up playing an array of sports including cricket, lawn bowls and tennis but mostly focused on Australian rules football.

[3] In late 2012, he moved to Sydney to join the GWS Giants' academy program full time to increase his chances of being drafted.

[5] He completed his high school education at Patrician Brothers' College, Blacktown.

Kelly learned in August 2021 she was diagnosed with terminal lung and bowel cancer just a few months after giving birth to a daughter with her future husband;[7] she started chemotherapy in 2024.

[10] Finlayson was traded to Port Adelaide via request, citing family reasons at the conclusion of the 2021 AFL season.