The club is seeking to end a two-decade-plus absence of the finals, looking to within for growth under new coach Kristy Roulston, who has added the A-grade job to her existing B-grade appointment.
“Kristy's been around the club as long as I can remember,” president Justin Cleary said.
“Quality person, really caring, her daughters have played and she should look after them and help all those young girls and we'll keep fostering our local talent.”
The side hasn’t been far away from achieving its dream in recent years, finishing eighth with a respectable 7-11 record last season and seventh in 2023, but will look to break through the glass ceiling this time around.
Consistency will be key and with the vast majority of the squad returning for another crack, familiarity will play to the Tigers’ advantage in the early fixtures.
Rochy has added the returning Jaime and Morgan Dingwall to the existing squad, which brings a mix of experienced heads and young guns with just a season or two in the top grade under their belt.
Morgan adds proven quality at the attacking end or in the midcourt, while Jaime is set to provide utility in a variety of positions.
Co-best-and-fairest winner Tia Webb is also back on board for another year and will anchor the offence with her consistent goaling.
The Tigers were scheduled to begin the season against Kyabram this weekend, but the Bombers have found themselves short on numbers in A-grade and will forfeit the match-up, giving Rochester an extra week to prepare for a home opener against Mansfield.
That clash will take place on April 11 at Moon Oval.
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