No-one could knock Rochester’s heart following the final siren on Sunday.
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The Tigers fought to the end at Deakin Reserve in the Goulburn Valley League senior grand final, but the big moments fell in Kyabram’s favour and the Bombers claimed the flag by 30 points.
Tom Holman took over the game for Kyabram after half-time, but Rochester had its chances in the final quarter, the players just not able to put the finishing touches on their efforts.
Best-in-finals medallist Mitch Trewhella wasn’t keen to keep his medal around his neck any longer than necessary as he rejoined his teammates on the field, and it was a sombre mood on the ground from the Tigers faithful as Kyabram raised the trophy.
However, it was a much more positive atmosphere in the sheds after the match.
The Rochester supporters gathered to hear coach Ash Watson deliver a brief message of encouragement to his squad, focusing on the longer journey of this team.
The Tigers wanted this to be their year and while the road to the premiership isn’t at its end just yet, it’s worth acknowledging what Rochester has accomplished in a relatively short period of time.
While disappointment and frustration will be the reigning emotions in the short term, the club is determined to build on this setback and come back stronger in 2026.
If the past two years have shown us anything, it’s that you shouldn’t count the Tigers out.
Find full coverage of the senior grand final in sport.
Photos: Jordan Townrow, Bruce Povey and Megan Fisher
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