Under-12 Girls
The Under-12 Tiger Girls travelled to Catherine McAuley College to take on the Eaglehawk Eagles, and from the opening bounce it was clear this would be a high‑ pressure contest.
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Eaglehawk came out fast, fierce, and determined, forcing Rochy to dig deep and work hard for every possession.
Despite the early heat, Frankie Hay refused to be rattled.
She chased, tackled, and hunted down opponents with her trademark intensity, setting the tone for her teammates.
Rochester controlled much of the first quarter, locking the ball inside their forward half and generating five scoring shots — but luck wasn’t on their side, finishing with five straight points.
By half time the game was still a nail‑ biter.
Both sides applied enormous pressure, and Eaglehawk managed to break through with the first goal of the night, giving them a burst of confidence.
At the break, coach Trent Riordan reminded the girls of the importance of strong minds, strong bodies, and strong sportsmanship, and the message landed.
Rochester stormed out after half time with fire in their bellies, slamming on three goals and refusing to be pushed around any longer.
Sophie Godden delivered her best game of the season, showing grit, courage, and sheer determination as she brought Eaglehawk players to ground.
Frankie Hay continued her dominance, tackling relentlessly, bursting through contests, and driving the ball forward.
Ella Forde was always perfectly positioned, just a kick away, helping direct play wherever Rochester needed it.
Annemarie Smith found the footy repeatedly and breaking away from packs, while Charlotte Wolfe grew stronger and more confident as the game went on.
In the forward line, Zoe Mangan stood tall in the final term, clunking marks and kicking a well‑ deserved goal.
Abbie Griffiths was outstanding, fearless in the contest, dragging opponents down, showing resilience all night, and sealing the match with a goal of her own.
When the final siren sounded, the Tigers had powered home to a convincing win.
Rochester 6.10 (46) defeated Eaglehawk Eagles 1.0 (6)
Mundie Constructions Award: Sophie Godden.
Rochester Sports Museum Award: Annemarie Smith.
The Café Rochester Award: Charlotte Wolfe.
Under-12 Mixed
A strong crowd gathered at Moon Oval on Sunday for Rochester’s only junior home game of the day, with the Tigers taking on the Echuca Murray Bombers in a competitive Under-12s clash played in wet but even conditions.
There was nothing to split the two sides early, with both teams working their way into the contest and going goal for goal to sit locked at 12 points apiece at quarter time.
From there, the Tigers started to settle into their work, getting cleaner around the contest and using the ball with a bit more composure as the game went on.
Rochester were able to edge in front during the second quarter and slowly extend their lead across the second half, with the Bombers continuing to apply pressure and stay in the contest.
Jackson Syers was among the Tigers’ best and finished with two goals in a solid all-round performance, helping Rochester steady at key moments as they controlled the tempo of the game.
In the end, the Tigers ran out winners in front of the home crowd.
Rochester 8.9 (57) defeated Echuca Murray Bombers 6.4 (40)
Luke Ryan Real Estate Award: Jackson Syers.
St Joseph’s Primary School Award: Emmett Sceney.
Canteen awards: Jacob Turri and Sid Watson.
Under-14 Mixed
Rochy’s Under-14 Tigers were off to the Borough this week, to take on Eaglehawk.
A decent shower of rain in the first quarter ensured the ball was heavy early and the puddle count was growing, making conditions slippery.
The first quarter essentially set the tone for the day.
Rochy’s defensive pressure was great, however getting the ball back to our scoring end was really hard going.
It was seven minutes into the quarter before either team kicked a major, and unfortunately Eaglehawk went on to put away three goals for the quarter, with Rochy only able to reply with one point.
Rochy started the second quarter well, getting the ball forward, but were largely unable to convert on the scoreboard.
Harrison Wilkins kicked the Tigers' only goal of the day and continued to make a consistent impact around the ground.
The weather cleared, and the physicality ramped up between both sides.
Cooper Rasmussen added depth to the backline while rotating out of the midfield, and Jack Martin tackled with great intent.
The Tigers’ effort and intensity was promising, but Eaglehawk continued to outplay an undermanned Tiger side.
At the main break, Rochy were down by 36 points.
The third quarter was a long, tight tussle in the centre, with Rochy lifting across the ground.
River Powles running down the wing and Nash Riordan in the back line, were combining well when they got together.
Archie Watson was solid as the last line of defence.
Unfortunately, the scoreboard at three-quarter time didn’t reflect the Tigers’ relentless effort, with Eaglehawk stretching the lead to 58 points.
By the time the boys rolled out for the start of the fourth, there were several tired and battered bodies in the Rochy camp.
Eaglehawk’s taller players continued to mark well even in the poor conditions, and their consistent form showed on the scoreboard.
It was a hard fought match for the young Tigers, and the scores don’t truly reflect the competitive game on the day.
Rochester 1.4 (10) lost to Eaglehawk 12. 16 (88)
Best players: Harrison Wilkins, Seth Hunter, Trey Hayes, Jack Martin, Cooper Rasmussen, Maddox Parker.
Goal kickers: Harrison Wilkins.
Mayreef Pty Ltd Award: Jack Martin.
Glenavon Farms Award: Harrison Wilkins.
Canteen Awards: Nash Riordan and River Powles.
Under-15 Girls
In wet, soggy conditions at Wade Oval, the Rochester Under-15 Girls faced a daunting challenge against Golden Square, made even tougher with only 14 players available and several girls already feeling sore before the first bounce.
Coach Nic Duckworth urged the team pre‑ game to“ Not be scared, get in there and have a crack”, reminding them to kick long in the slippery conditions rather than handball.
From the opening minutes, Zoe Squires set the tone.
She attacked the contest fiercely, applied pressure, and repeatedly forced the ball forward out of congestion.
Despite her efforts, Golden Square’s clean ball movement saw them take a commanding 6.8 (44) to 0 lead by halftime.
Rochester knew they had to dig deep.
Golden Square’s strong marks, long kicks and constant forward pressure made it difficult for the Tigers to get clean possession.
Even when they did, the opposition’s numbers around the ball were overwhelming.
Still, the young Tigers refused to roll over.
Sophie Kyne showed enormous grit, laying strong tackles and refusing to be beaten in one‑ on‑ one contests.
Zahli Young battled bravely despite a sore knee, presenting strongly in the forward line and keeping Rochester in the hunt for a goal.
Zyrah Weeks displayed a relentless work rate, chasing, tackling and never giving up.
Ash Duckworth shifted to the backline and impressed with her ability to clear the ball under-pressure.
Arlia Weeks ran tirelessly, applied pressure and continued to chase down opponents even as fatigue set in.
Zoe Squires was recognised as Rochester’s standout performer.
Her pressure, attack on the ball, repeat efforts and willingness to lead from the front made her the clear best player on the ground.
With injuries and sickness limiting rotations, coach Duckworth reshuffled the entire lineup to give players moments of rest wherever possible.
Golden Square, meanwhile, rotated six fresh players through the bench, a luxury Rochester simply didn’t have.
After the final siren, Duckworth praised the girls for their resilience and spirit:
“I’m very proud of you all,” she said.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game and we were lucky to even field a team, so fantastic effort.”
Despite the scoreboard, the Tigers showed enormous character. They chased, tackled and fought until the end. Well done girls.
Rochester 0 lost to Golden Square 13.16 (94)
Best Players: Zoe Squires, Sophie Kyne, Ash Duckworth, Zyrah Weeks, Arlia Weeks, Zahli Young.
Mawsons Concrete & Quarries Award: Ash Duckworth.
Darling Irrigation Award: Arlia Weeks.
Iddles Lane Emporium Award: Zyrah Weeks.
Under-16 Boys
The Under-16 boys travelled to Golden Square and were met with extremely challenging conditions on a sodden track, making clean football difficult all afternoon.
Coming up against a bigger and stronger opposition, the side knew they would need to rely on effort, discipline, and teamwork from the opening bounce.
Despite the difficult conditions and physical challenge, the boys competed hard and never stopped working for each other across the four quarters.
Around the stoppages, the midfield battled tirelessly all day and consistently gave the side opportunities by winning plenty of clearances.
Their determination at the contest and willingness to put their bodies on the line was a real highlight, particularly against a polished opposition that used the conditions well.
Across the ground, players continued to support teammates, chase hard defensively, and compete right until the final siren despite the scoreboard pressure.
While the final margin was lopsided, it certainly didn’t reflect the endeavour, persistence, and spirit shown by the group throughout the match.
The boys never dropped their heads and continued to encourage one another in difficult circumstances, showing plenty of character against a quality Golden Square outfit.
Full credit to the opposition for a very polished performance, but there were still many positives for the boys to takeaway from a hard-fought day in tough conditions.
Rochester 7 lost to Golden Square 176
Best Players: Asher Rasmussen, Hugh Acocks, Mason Mundie, Archie Jennings, Harry Rasmussen, Mac Dickinson.
Goal kickers: H. Acocks.
Rochester Football Netball Club Awards: Hugh Acocks and Mason Mundie .
Glenavon Farms Award: Asher Rasmussen.
Canteen Award: Harry Rasmussen.