Under-12 girls
The Moon Oval was buzzing with energy on Friday night as the Rochester Under-12 girls took to the field for their final home and away game of the season, facing top-ranked St Therese’s.
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Despite the challenge, the young Tigers were fired up and ready to roar.
Coach Trent Riordan set the tone early with his trademark positivity, rallying the team with a powerful message.
“Don’t be put off because you’re playing the top side—go hard, get over the ball, and tackle hard,” he said.
That’s exactly what they did.
Rochester came out swinging, keeping St Therese’s scoreless in the first quarter with relentless pressure and brilliant tackling.
Meila Dickinson was a wall in defence, taking strong marks and laying solid tackles all night.
At quarter-time, Trent couldn’t have been prouder.
“Fantastic girls. Brilliant tackling and pressure, I couldn’t ask for any more,” he said.
By half-time, St Therese’s had edged ahead with 1.1 (7) to Rochester’s 0.1 (1), but the Tigers refused to back down.
They dug deep and kept the intensity high.
Ella Forde was quick to clean up any loose ball and Ava Rasmussen was a force to be reckoned with.
Her fierce competitive spirit stopped opponents in their tracks.
At three-quarter time, Trent urged the girls to keep pushing.
“St Therese’s are a tough, strong side, but gosh you are playing like champions and making it hard for them. You can get them,” he said.
Macey Macfarlane continued her solid stance in the backline; her fierce tackling and determination allowed just one goal to get past her.
Billie Watson ran tirelessly, chasing every loose ball and making life difficult for the opposition, while Alva Acocks got her knees dirty and hands on the ball every chance she could get.
Though the final score saw Rochester fall short 0.1 (1) to St Therese’s 1.5 (11), the spirit of the game was never lost.
Post-match, Trent’s pride was palpable.
“I couldn’t ask for a better bunch of girls,” he said.
“You listen and respond but most importantly, I praise you all for your brilliant sportsmanship.
“You support and encourage each other, respect the umpire's decision, and show respect to opponents.
“That’s what it’s all about. What a brilliant group of girls.”
A and L Holmberg one-percenter award: Abi Reid.
Milkshake Lane award: Meila Dickinson.
The Café Rochester award: Billie Watson.
The Drovers Arms Goornong awards: Abbie Griffiths and Ella Mundie.
Casey Demons scarf: Macey Macfarlane.
Under-12 mixed
The Rochester Junior Football Club played host in what was a great day for our region's Under-12 Mixed Lightning Premiership at Rochester Recreation Reserve.
In very chilly winter conditions, all five brave young teams played each other once each, in a points-based round-robin event with the two top teams facing off in a grand final for the medals.
Our Tigers, unfortunately, went down in the first two games against both Moama sides.
Despite great efforts from Henry Williams, Nash Riordan, and Bobby Watson, we struggled to convert going forward and lost by small margins.
Orly Cuttriss and Riley Nicol were our early goal kickers.
The next two games against LBU and Tongala saw Rochester play their brand of team footy.
Jed Cox and Logan Carmichael were tough in the contest and stuck great tackles.
Noah Broucek kicked a brilliant four goals in two halves of footy.
The Tigers won the final two games of the day, but did not earn enough points to qualify for the grand final.
Both Moama teams faced off in the final.
Moama White was far too strong on the day, and they all should be proud of their medals.
Despite not the ultimate successful end of season campaign, our young Rochy Tigers fought valiantly throughout the day and gave it their all.
Another successful event to cap off a fantastic season, hosted by the RJFC.
Thank you to all the coaches and volunteers throughout the season and on the day to make it all happen, couldn't have done it without you all.
The Drovers Arms Goornong awards: Nash Riordan, Henry Williams, Bobby Watson, Cooper Rasmussen, Orly Cuttriss, Noah Broucek.
Under-15 girls
A tough day in the final round for the Rochy girls, who dominated the first quarter but were unable to maintain the momentum for the rest of the match.
Strathfieldsaye played a great game, and some niggling injuries to key Rochy players meant that we weren’t able to win this one.
Regardless, Rochy has had a brilliant season and will maintain its second position on the ladder going into finals.
Great work girls, you’re making us all so proud.
Rochester 9 lost to Strathfieldsaye 37
Best: Abby Ryan, Mila Cottam, Ella Treacy, Tilly Ryan, Gracie Cox, Maya Riordan.
Goals: A. Duckworth.
Mayreef Pty Ltd one-percenter award: Maya Riordan.
Canteen awards: Tilly Ryan, Gracie Cox, Ruby Ettershank.
Under-14 mixed
Rochester under-14s delivered a dominant performance in tough conditions on Sunday morning, overpowering Maiden Gully with a commanding 21.15 (141) to 2.0 (12) victory at Marist College Bendigo.
The boys took a little time to warm up initially, adjusting to the cold, wet conditions and finding their rhythm.
Once settled, Rochester asserted control, building a three-goal lead by quarter time and applying relentless pressure all over the ground.
Everyone played great football, sharing the ball around with unselfish teamwork and smart decision-making.
The team’s strong ball movement and willingness to support each other ensured they dominated both offensively and defensively despite the slippery conditions.
Among the standout efforts was Zach Froon, who played what could be said to be his best match of the season, winning the one-percenter award, and we can't forget Jordan Peters using some creative moves to score a goal in the third quarter.
Rochester maintained their intensity throughout the match, adapting well to the wet conditions, while their work rate and communication kept Maiden Gully on the back foot all game.
With finals starting next weekend, the team is in great shape, firing on all cylinders and carrying strong momentum into the most important part of the season.
Rochester 21.15 (141) d MGYCW 2.0 (12)
Best: Asher Rasmussen, Hugh Acocks, Judd Cuttriss, Jordan Peters, Harry Rasmussen, Mac Dickinson.
Goals: Mac Dickinson, Asher Rasmussen (5), Judd Cuttriss (3), Walt James, Hugh Acocks (2), Maddox Parker, Zac Howard, Jordan Peters, LH.
Rochester Spreading Services one-percenter award: Zach Froon.
The Café Rochester awards: Max Lea, Jordan Peters, Louis Frawley.
Under-16 boys
Miserable conditions at Maiden Gully matched the quality of the football in the Under-16 game on Sunday.
The Rochy boys started well, holding Maiden Gully scoreless for the first 10 minutes.
However, Rochy was also unable to get a score on the board.
Reno Mountjoy continued his good form, standing up to make an impact across the backline.
It wasn’t long before the Eagles got their game together and kicked three majors.
The Tigers got the ball forward but could only manage two points for their efforts.
At the first break, the writing was on the wall and Rochy were down by 17 points.
Inaccurate kicking by Maiden Gully in the second stopped Rochy from losing total grip, but the lack of scoring opportunities also let the Tigers down.
Mitch Munro made an impact at both ends of the ground, but playing conditions were not favourable for skilful football.
On top of that, Rochy were losing players to the bench with injury, more often than they could hit the scoreboard.
By half-time, MGYCW were definitely pulling away clocking up a score of 29 to Rochy’s three points.
The most damage was done in the third, with Rochy struggling to get the ball forward.
Cal Giffin was relentless across the backline, with a work effort second to none, and was ably supported by Jake Munro, who is always reliable in defence.
Maiden Gully was able to kick true, slotting four majors and really sinking the boots in sometimes literally for Amon Riordan.
The Tigers seemed to have the ball forward on more occasions in the fourth, but getting an actual score on the board continued to prove difficult.
Oscar Danswan was dynamic at the contest, spoiling marks and providing real competition for the opposition.
In the last five minutes of the game, Cale James managed to finally get a major, the teams only for the day.
It certainly wasn’t the way the boys wanted to end the season, but the friendships built and camaraderie throughout the season was a real win.
Huge thanks to coach Pat Tarrant for sharing his footy knowledge and guiding the boys this season, as well as runner Ethan Hooppell, who has been an outstanding support for the team at both training and on game days.
Rochester 1.6 (7) lost to MGYCW 10.9 (69)
Best: Cale James, Callum Giffin, Kaelan Connor, Mitch Munro, Reno Mountjoy, Oscar Danswan.
Goals: C. James.
Rochester Football Netball Club one-percenter award: Cale James.
Canteen awards: Heath Kyne, Jake Munro, Reno Mountjoy.
GEM Hair Design award: Callum Giffin.
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