Finkler made his debut for the Victory in round 1 against crosstown rivals Melbourne Heart. After playing regularly for the Victory, Finkler suffered a season-ending injury in round 12 against A-League debutant club Western Sydney Wanderers, when his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was ruptured in a heavy tackle. Finkler would return to frustrate Western Sydney but the ACL damage required surgery in a new country, with a new language, and rehabilitation for nearly a year. Until his injury, Finkler had been leading the A-League season 2012/13 assists count with eight. He made his return to football in the 2013–14 season.