Sport

Rochester keeps touch with scrappy win

By Matthew Kappos

Jun 14, 2026

Hunter Wileman celebrates with teammates after snapping a goal in Rochester’s gritty win over Mooroopna. Photos: Bruce Povey

It wasn’t the most clinical performance, but Rochester put another valuable four points on the board in a gritty Goulburn Valley League football victory over Mooroopna.

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After a shaky start that saw the Tigers kick 0.6 in the opening quarter, Ash Watson’s side recovered effectively to take the lead in the third quarter and held it until full time to win 10.16 (76) to 10.6 (68) at Moon Oval.

The Cats kicked two majors in the first quarter to have the lead 15-6 at the first change and maintained that nine-point margin into half-time after both sides kicked three in the second term.

The team talk worked at the break and Rochester came out firing for the second half, slotting five straight majors to surge into the lead 60-37.

Mooroopna finally stalled the Tigers’ momentum late in the quarter and kicked two settling goals to throw the game back in doubt with a quarter to play, the margin 11.

The Tigers opened up the advantage with an early goal and, although the Cats would win the period three goals to two, Rochy had done enough to grab the points.

Felix Fogarty had a good day in front of goal, leading his side with three goals and a place among the best players list, which was headlined by big man Ryley Ferguson.

The win has Rochester (4-6) lurking outside the top six, trailing the finals places by a single win.

Mitch Bright played game 250 for Rochester and is alongside wife Emma and children Vali, Ruby and Reggie.

Another critical step on that road will be its next contest against Shepparton United (5-5) another side hoping to make a move into the top six in the coming weeks.

The Tigers will clash with the Demons at Moon Oval on Saturday.