Rochester Junior Football Club reports

Coach Trent Riordan’s game plan clearly paid off.

Ella Mundie was on fire with four goals, earning the Milkshake Lane Award—what a performance.

Mackenzie Harvey’s hard work paid off, and she also managed to find the goals, winning The Rochester Café voucher award.

Meanwhile, Ellie Riordan’s relentless effort won her the A & L Holmberg One Percenter award.

Ava Pratt was dynamite with three goals, securing the Casey Demons Scarf, and a huge shoutout to Ella Forde for kicking five goals.

With eight different goal kickers, the Tigers were unstoppable.

It’s great to see such teamwork and enthusiasm on the field from this group.

Rochester 19.6 (120) d Marong 0.0 (0)

Under-12 Mixed

The Tigers came under early fire from the Echuca Bombers on Sunday morning, as they continually entered their forward line, with the mids not able to get their hands on the ball.

Charlie Pascoe took some great marks in the backline to repel the onslaught, but couldn’t stop Echuca from kicking three majors to Rochy’s goalless first quarter.

The second quarter saw a stronger start for the Tigers.

Their midfields were able to get repeat entries into the forward fifty.

Henry Williams took a good mark, played on and kicked the only goal for the quarter.

Starting the second half 15 points behind, Rochester moved Noah Broucek into the backline, where he stood strong, taking several marks and intercept possessions.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough, with Echuca kicking two goals to Rochy’s one from the reliable Cooper Rasmussen.

Going into the last 21 points down, the backline stood tall, with Bobby Watson sending the ball back out and forward on numerous occasions.

Jack Holmberg used his body well to get in the right space, drawing a free kick, where he quickly moved the ball to Orly Cuttriss, who kicked truly.

It wasn’t enough, Rochy going down by 21 points in the end.

Rochester 3.6 (24) lost to Echuca White 6.9 (45)

A & L Holmberg one-percenter award: Jack Martin

Canteen awards: River Powles, Charlie Pascoe, Noah Broucek

Under-14 mixed

The Rochester Tigers’ under-14 team celebrated a well-earned victory in front of the home crowd on Sunday, defeating South Bendigo 10.9 (63) to 6.4 (40).

The Tigers came out firing early, playing their best first quarter of the season.

Their dominance in the opening term set the foundation for the win, with the midfielders controlling the game and efficiently moving the ball into attack.

The forward line was clinical, with multiple players contributing to the scoreboard and helping the team establish a strong lead by halftime.

One of the key factors in the Tigers' success was their dominant midfield combination of Hugh Acocks, Asher Rasmussen and Harry Rasmussen, whose excellent teamwork and smooth ball movement helped Rochester win vital clearances.

The trio provided constant drive through the middle, linking up well with the forwards.

In addition, Mac Dickinson was unstoppable in the ruck, controlling the contest and providing the midfielders with first use of the ball.

His dominance in the middle allowed the Tigers to maintain constant pressure on South Bendigo’s defence.

Zach Froon and Harrison Wilkins did their fair share for the team this week, each kicking two goals and contributing to the strong forward pressure.

Their efforts in front of goal helped keep South Bendigo under pressure throughout the match.

But it wasn’t just the goalscorers who shone.

Every player made a difference today, with the team working together seamlessly across all areas of the field.

Whether it was defensive efforts, vital clearances, or hard running, each player played their part in securing the win.

South Bendigo, however, had a strong second quarter.

The visitors lifted their intensity, winning contested ball and putting pressure on the Tigers' defence.

It managed to reduce the margin significantly by halftime, giving its supporters hope of a comeback.

But the Tigers responded in the second half with relentless pressure.

As the match progressed, the Tigers extended their lead in the final term, ensuring a comfortable win despite South Bendigo’s continued pressure in the second quarter.

Rochester 10.9 (63) d South Bendigo 6.4 (40)

Best: Asher Rasmussen, Harry Rasmussen, Hugh Acocks, Mac Dickinson, Harrison Wilkins, Zach Froon.

Goals: Zach Froon, Harrison Wilkins (2), Will Hayler, Harry Rasmussen, George McFadzean, Asher Rasmussen, Hugh Acocks.

Under-15 girls

The under-15 girls played their first home game on Windridge Oval on Sunday morning, in perfect football conditions.

Rochy came out firing in the first, getting a couple of quick goals on the board, keeping Marong scoreless.

Ella Treacy brought her renown physicality to the game, making sure Marong knew she was a fierce competitor.

Evie Riordan was in everything, taking some great marks and kicking long.

Most of the second quarter was spent in the midfield, with both teams contesting the ball well and rarely being able to shift it to either forward line.

Maddi Howe was great at the contests, and Zahli Young was letting nothing past her on the backline.

Rochy continued to hold Marong scoreless at the main break.

Aliza Beer played a great first game, sharing the forward space with sister Alida, who was dangerous in front of goal, bagging four for the game.

Abby Ryan was also a top performer on the day, moving the ball forward many times over.

In the final quarter, Marong kicked their first and only major, with the ball spending the majority of the time in Rochy’s forward line.

Ruby Ettershank and Ash Duckworth also got their names on the scorecard this week, kicking true for a goal each.

The under-15 girls followed the under-12 girls lead from Friday night, with another convincing win over the Panthers.

Rochester 7.8 (50) d Marong 1.0 (6)

Best: Ella Treacy, Evie Riordan, Alida Beer, Macey Ryan, Abby Ryan, Maddi Howe

Goals: Alida Beer (4), Evie Riordan, Ruby Ettershank, Ash Duckworth

Mayreef Pty Ltd one-percenter award: Abby Ryan

Canteen awards: Ruby Ettershank, Aliza Beer, Ash Duckworth

Under-16 boys

Rochester's win over Sandhurst on Sunday was fuelled by a mix of smart strategy, individual brilliance and sheer intensity.

Fill-in coach Alan James set the tone by ensuring the team played with presence and pressure.

The forwards made an impact, the midfield stayed alert, and the backline supported everyone, creating a cohesive and well-rounded approach.

Rochester capitalised on scoring opportunities, with Cale James leading the charge as a ball magnet, kicking five goals and taking on every contest.

Players like Darcey Pump and Aaron Harbour also stepped up when it mattered most.

The forward line was clean, converting chances into goals and maintaining momentum throughout the game.

The halftime pep talk clearly motivated the team.

The coaches reinforced the need to keep heads over the ball, find space, and maintain intensity.

The team's ability to listen and adapt ensured they didn’t drop their work rate in the second half, leading to a dominant victory.

The backline kept applying pressure and supported their teammates.

Jake Munro, Callum Giffin and Jackson Goldstraw really stepped up to keep the backline solid, limiting Sandhurst to just one goal in the second half.

Their discipline and ability to apply pressure made a huge difference, ensuring Rochester maintained control of the game.

All in all, Rochester was simply switched on from the start, applying pressure, maintaining high energy levels, and making the most of their opportunities.

A dominant win built on teamwork and determination.

Rochester 16.22 (118) d Sandhurst 3.5 (23)

Best: Cale James, Mitch Munro, Callum Giffin, Tom Reynolds, Jake Munro, Kaelan Connors

Goals: C. James (5), C. Watson, K. Connor, A. Harbour, D. Pump (2), A. Riordan, M. Munro, O. Danswan

Rochester Football Netball Club one-percenter award: Kaelan Connor

Canteen awards: Cale James, Tom Reynolds, Charles Watson

Gem Hair Design award: Darcey Pump