Under-12 Girls
Moon Oval lit up on Friday night as the Rochester under-12 girls kicked off their season in front of a buzzing home crowd, taking on Eaglehawk in a match filled with excitement, nerves, and five debutantes stepping onto the field for the very first time.
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From the opening huddle, Coach Trent Riordan set the tone. He urged his experienced players to guide the newcomers, keep the talk up, encourage each other, “look after your mates,” and for anyone who hadn’t tackled before, to “have a crack at it and have fun".
The girls took every word to heart.
Rochy exploded out of the blocks in the first quarter.
Debutante Matilda Williams made an immediate impact in the forward line, holding her ground, clunking strong marks, and kicking two goals in her first appearance.
Her efforts helped Rochester take a commanding 36–1 lead at the first break.
Coach Riordan couldn’t hide his pride.
“You’ve done everything I’ve asked. You’re tackling hard, shepherding, and having fun. The only other thing I want to see is more celebration. When we kick a goal, get around each other and celebrate.”
The Tigers took that message and ran with it.
As the game went on, the girls only grew more confident.
Zoe Mangan stepped up as a true on‑ field leader, using her voice, reading the play beautifully, and finding herself in the right spots time and time again.
Her loud, proud communication lifted the team around her.
Ava Rasmussen reminded everyone why she’s feared across the league.
Her fierce tackling, relentless pressure, and never‑ give‑ up attitude shut down Eaglehawk’ s attempts to move the ball.
Up forward, Frankie Hay delivered a standout performance, slotting seven goals for the night.
Her clean hands, quick reactions, and ability to pinch the ball from opposition players made her almost unstoppable.
Eaglehawk struggled to get near the footy whenever she was in the contest.
The most impressive part of the night was the spread of contributors.
With seven individual goal‑ kickers, the Tigers showed depth, teamwork, and a willingness to share the moment.
By the final siren, Rochester had stamped their authority on the competition with a commanding 96–0 victory, a performance full of promise, unity, and emerging talent.
The season has only just begun, but under the Moon Oval lights, the Rochy under-12 girls have already shown they’re a team to watch.
Rochester 15.6 (96) defeated Eaglehawk Hawks 0
The Cafe Rochester Award - Frankie Hay.
Mundie Constructions Award - Matilda Williams.
Rochester Sports Museum Award - Zoe Mangan.
Under-12 Mixed
After the Rochester Reserves and Seniors got the job done on Saturday night, the Under-12 Mixed Tigers made sure the winning feeling rolled straight into Sunday, claiming a strong 38 point win over Tongala in their first home game of the season.
Tongala came out firing early and had Rochester chasing at quarter time, but the Tigers settled in the second term to take the lead by half-time.
From there, they owned the second half, playing tough, team-first footy and turning the game firmly in their favour.
With plenty of parents, grandparents and siblings lined around the boundary, it was a great way to kick off home games for the year and another reminder that the future of the Tigers is looking bright.
Rochester 12.9 (81) defeated Tongala 7.1 (43)
Luke Ryan Real Estate Award: Jed Cox.
St Joseph’s Primary School Award: Riley Nichol.
Canteen awards: Xavier Barnstable and Archie Keating.
Under-14 Mixed
The Rochester Tigers under-14s have secured a hard-fought win over South Bendigo under-14 Red, prevailing 12.12 (84) to 10.9 (69) in an entertaining and at times tightly contested match.
Rochester made the ideal start, with Harrison Wilkins kicking the opening goal of the game to give his side early momentum.
The Tigers looked sharp early, sharing the ball well and moving it with precision to create scoring opportunities.
Wilkins was a standout up forward, finishing with an impressive five goals, while Walt James added two majors in a strong contribution.
Further goals came from Maddox Parker, Luke Drust, Jack Martin, George McFadzean and Henry Williams, underlining Rochester’s ability to spread the scoring.
However, the match shifted in the middle stages as Rochester’s intensity dropped across the second and third quarters.
South Bendigo capitalised on the lapse, lifting their work rate and making the most of their chances to close the gap and bring themselves right back into the contest.
With the game in the balance heading into the final term, Rochester responded when it mattered most.
The Tigers lifted their pressure and composure, once again using teamwork and unselfish ball movement to regain control and finish strongly.
Rochester displayed great teamwork in the match and should be proud of their team work.
Rochester 12.12 (84) defeated South Bendigo Red 10.9 (69)
Best players: Harrison Wilkins, Seth Hunter, Archie Watson, Walt James, Trey Hayes, Maddox Parker
Goal kickers: H. Wilkins 5, W. James 2, H. Williams, G. McFadzean, J. Martin, M. Parker, L. Drust
Mayreef Pty Ltd Award: Nash Riordan.
Glenavon Farms Award: Trey Hayes.
Canteen Awards: Archie Watson and Harrison Wilkins.
Under-15 Girls
The Rochester U15 girls headed to Malone Park on Sunday to face a well‑ drilled Marong side, showing determination, teamwork and plenty of heart despite the final scoreboard.
Coach Nic Duckworth encouraged the group pre‑ game to do their best, find their feet, and focus on learning to play together, with many girls still new to the team and combinations still forming.
The message was simple: settle in, support each other, and embrace the challenge.
Rochester held their own early, putting up a strong first quarter highlighted by Alida Beer, who kicked the team’s only goal with a composed finish.
The girls continued to pressure and compete, showing glimpses of exciting potential.
Newcomer Zoe Squires chased relentlessly all day, applying pressure and refusing to give Marong any easy possessions.
In defence, Zahli Young impressed with strong hands and several important marks, while Isabella Russell made her presence known with tough, committed tackling.
Sophie Kyne again proved her versatility, shifting through multiple positions and growing in confidence as the match unfolded.
Despite Rochester’s effort, Marong proved too strong in the final term, breaking the game open with six unanswered goals to run away with a 51-point victory.
At the breaks, Coach Duckworth praised the girls’ effort and improvement, urging them to spread out, find an opponent, talk more, and trust their ability.
Post‑ game, Duckworth gathered the quiet, reserved group and told them they should be proud of themselves.
She reminded them that confidence comes with time, and as they settle in, they’ ll start attacking the ball, picking it up cleanly, and having a real crack.
She praised their effort and assured them that this team will only grow stronger each week.
Rochester 1.0 (6) lost to Marong 9.9 (63)
Best Players: Isabella Rusell, Mia Saunders, Sophie Kyne, Zahli Young, Zoe Squires, Willow Brooks.
Goal kickers: Alida Beer 1.
Mawsons Concrete and Quarries Award: Mia Saunders.
Darling Irrigation Award: Zahli Young.
Iddles Lane Emporium Award: Isabella Russell.
Under-16 Boys
A beautiful warm day set the scene for Round 1 as Rochester’s under-16 boys delivered a dominant performance against South Bendigo Red, showcasing both skill and structure across four quarters.
From the opening bounce, Rochester controlled the contest, working hard to implement their team structures and set plays, which paid off with clean ball movement and consistent scoring opportunities.
Leading the charge was Asher Rasmussen, who was outstanding through the midfield and dangerous up forward, finishing with an impressive six goals.
Archie Jennings also played a pivotal role, giving his teammates first use of the ball and creating opportunities around the ground.
Mason Mundie also stood out with his strength and presence through the midfield, helping to drive momentum for Rochester.
Beyond the scoreboard, the team demonstrated excellent spirit and sportsmanship throughout the game, setting a strong tone for the season ahead.
Rochester 24. 20 (164) defeated South Bendigo Red 1.0 (6)
Best Players: Asher Rasmussen, Mason Mundie, Archie Jennings, Judd Cuttriss, Makore Dickinson, Nate McFarlane.
Goal Kickers: Asher Rasmussen (6), Judd Cuttriss (3), Makore Dickinson, Mason Mundie, Nate McFarlane, Ollie Seamer, Charles Watson (2).
Rochester Football Netball Club Awards: Mason Mundie and Nate McFarlane.
Glenavon Farms Award: Asher Rasmussen.
Canteen Award: Louis Frawley.