Rochester 7.8 (50) d Shepparton 6.11 (47)
While it might not have been the prettiest game of footy, Rochester’s win against the reigning premiers proved the players had a strong defensive resistance.
In the first seven rounds of the season, Tigers coach James Flaherty admitted his side had often struggled to cope under pressure.
But that all changed, as his side held on for a thrilling three-point win.
‘‘A good side is never going to stop coming,’’ Flaherty said.
‘‘It was pleasing to see one of our weaknesses become a strength in a close game. We hope to see it only grow from here.’’
Rochester’s ability to win the contested-ball battle proved pivotal, with Liam Bartels making the most of limited opportunities to kick four goals.
It was also a special day for young duo Callum Doyle and Tyler Walsh, who played their first senior games for the Tigers.
Mt Pleasant v Lockington Bamawm United
Round 10, 2017 at Nichol Trading Oval, Lockington
LBU 15.12 (102) def. Mt Pleasant 4.4 (28)
LBU had endured a horror start to the season, losing its first eight matches, before facing off against the Mounts for a second time.
But on this day, it all came together for the Cats as Zeik Johnston, Hayden Mitchell and Daniel Zegelin all kicked three goals.
And coach Peter Gibbs could not hide his excitement after the match.
‘‘I saw young kids prepared to run, have a crack and take the game on,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s great, not just for our players but for the supporters; you could see the happiness, or relief, on their faces as we came off the ground.’’
Meyrick Buchanan dominated in the middle of the ground, in a performance that almost left his coach speechless.
‘‘I haven’t seen anyone dominate a game like that,’’ Gibbs said.
‘‘He played through the middle; we don’t take personal stats, but he would have had well over 40 touches and he uses the ball so well.”
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