The Tigers are up for the challenge in 2024, pushing 2023 grand finalist Kyabram to the limit as they fell by two points in round two of Goulburn Valley football on Saturday, April 13.
The Tigers played their first game under Moon Oval’s new lights in the club's historic 150th year and looked primed to mark the occasion with an incredible victory before the result was cruelly snatched away in the final quarter.
The Tigers burst out of the blocks in the first term, putting the Bombers under pressure and being rewarded with a 14-point advantage at the first interval, 4.4 (28) to 2.2 (14).
Things were looking even better at half-time as Rochester boasted a 20-point lead at the main break, kicking 2.3 in the second period to lead 6.7 (43) to 3.5 (23).
The 2023 runner-up was reeling but managed to regroup in the second half, forcing Tigers turnovers and attempting to claw back the deficit.
The Bombers logged eight scoring shots (3.5) for the term, but Rochy made the most of its opportunities, maintaining perfect accuracy as it kicked three goals to minimise the damage and hold a 15-point edge heading into the final term.
The fourth was where Kyabram showed its quality, with Rochy faltering to a goalless final quarter (0.4) as the Bombers did just enough to overrun the home side, the final score reading Rochester 9.11 (65), Kyabram 9.13 (67).
Sean Williams continued his good early-season scoring form, kicking three majors to lead the hosts, while Wil Hamilton added a pair of major scores and Mitch Cricelli, Adam and James McPhee, and Dillon Williams each contributed a goal.
Matt Kellett was named best-on-ground for Rochester, with Dylan Gordon, Mitchell Trewhella, Hamilton, and Adam McPhee also among the side’s best.
Though undoubtedly disappointed with the final result, the Tigers showed they have the ability to take it to the better sides in the league this year, as they continue to integrate off-season additions into the line-up.
The Tigers will head to Deakin Reserve on Saturday, April 20, where an undefeated Shepparton Bears outfit will test just how far Rochester has come since 2023.
The Game
Scores
Rochester: 4.4, 6.7, 9.7, 9.11 (65)
Kyabram: 2.2, 3.5, 6.10, 9.13 (67)
Goals
Rochester: Sean Williams 3, Wil Hamilton 2, Mitch Cricelli, Adam McPhee, James McPhee, Dillon Williams
Kyabram: Anthony Depasquale 4, Bradley Mangan 2, Kaine Herbert, Jake Parkinson, Khy Stovell
Best
Rochester: Matt Kellett, Dylan Gordon, Mitchell Trewhella, Wil Hamilton, Adam McPhee
Kyabram: Lachlan Smith, Marcus Khoo, Charlie Barnett, Joshua Dillon, Anthony Depasquale