The Eagles made the two-hour trek out to Moon Oval, the longest journey in the Goulburn Valley League, although showed no signs of fatigue when they stepped on to the field, winning every quarter on their way to the 50-point win.
Despite being outclassed, a host of ever-present contributors stood up for Rochester, led by the dependable Joe Atley.
The midfield bull continued his outstanding season, kicking a team-high two goals for the Tigers, while Hamish Hooppell was given the nod as Rochester’s best-on, the tireless defender putting in a solid shift down back.
Mitch Cricelli performed admirably in the ruck against Mansfield’s Gus van der Hayden, with his efforts earning praise from Eagles coach Chad Owens.
“He’s a workhorse, that kid,” Owens said of Cricelli.
“He played ruck and centre half-forward for the whole game, and I can’t remember him coming off the ground,.
“The way he goes about it is just amazing. He’s a hard, physical young player who just keeps going and his battle with Gussy in the ruck was awesome.”
Bailey Wileman and Mitchell Bright rounded out Rochester’s best, while Grant Fuller and Sean Williams were the remaining goal-kickers.
For Mansfield, Ben Christopher and Brett Mahoney did the damage, each kicking three majors and appearing in the best, while Jayden Howes was named best afield for the winning side.
The Tigers are now just six percentage points ahead of Tatura, who sits on the bottom of the ladder with one win from its seven games this season.
Mansfield improved to 5-2 with the win and is in fourth place, ahead of Euroa and Mooroopna, both also on five wins.
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