Mooroopna trailed by 21 points at quarter time before kicking seven goals to four after half-time for a six-point win — on the back of the competition’s leading goalkicker, Christopher Nield, kicking six goals.
He will be a major focus of the Rochester defence at Victoria Park in Echuca on Sunday.
The Tigers produced another impressive Goulburn Valley League display on Saturday afternoon to lock in fourth spot on the ladder.
The Tigers welcomed Shepparton to Moon Oval for the final-round encounter, with the home side running out an 18.10 (118) to 7.9 (51) victor.
It was a joyful afternoon for the men in yellow and black, however, inaccurate kicking from both sides had their lead sit at 2.4 (16) to 0.3 (3) at quarter-time.
In the second term the Tigers managed to kick straight, piling on four goals and a point, while the Bears missed a number of chances.
With the home side holding a 29-point lead at half-time, both sides came out firing in the third, before a dominant final quarter to Rochester put the result well beyond doubt.
Joe Atley was named the Tigers’ best, with Shaun Atley, Adam McPhee, Nathan Kay and Hugh Hamilton standing out.
For the Bears it was Jordan McGregor who was acknowledged for his efforts, while Jed Warrin, Tyler Bell, Mitch Brett and Anthony Andronaco also played well.
While the result locks in a top-four finish for Rochester, it marks the end of a disappointing year for Shepparton.
Ted Lindon’s brigade wrap up the year in ninth position, behind cross-town rival Shepparton Swans on percentage, with both on five wins for the year.
