Rochester Junior Football Reports

With many of the girls never playing competitive football before they have done themselves and all the supporters proud.

We had six awards on Friday night with Ash Duckworth, Alida Beer, Ruby Ettershank, Maya Riordan and Tilly Ryan receiving the awards and Macey Macfarlane getting the One Percenter for her repeated efforts all night getting the ball as well as chasing and tackling.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support this year. It was great to have so many people come to our games and show interest in the team. Keep an eye out for registrations for the 2025 season for both an under-12 and under-15 girls' team.

Under-14 Mixed

After a club bus trip down the highway for some of the players to mark the last round of the season, and the rumoured music of Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus being sung very loudly, it was a beautiful sunny Sunday morning for football as Rochester took on Kangaroo Flat at Dower Park.

Kangaroo Flat came out strong from the first bounce of the game and had the momentum in the first quarter. Rochester players were playing good contested football but were unable to put a major score on the board.

In the second quarter, Rochester started to lift their intensity and were able to move the ball into their forward line on more occasions, but were unable to convert the entries to goals. The intent to take on the ground ball and run forward, was fantastic.

Rochester players were putting training into action with chains of handballs to move the ball forward, with Charlie Watson and Harvey Keating combining well. The backline was under constant pressure and was holding strong to prevent Kangaroo Flat scoring on many occasions, with Jag Tarrant working hard and Logan West’s head over the ball to smother, was terrific.

Ella Treacy was taking the players on to clear the ball from the back and Mason Mundie was getting plenty of touches.

Rochester came out in the third quarter with increased momentum and intensity, taking the ball from the first contest.

Rochester attacked with intent and were tackling on every occasion to hold the ball up for Kangaroo Flat. Mac Dickinson was working tirelessly in the forward line and was able to score the first goal of the game for Rochester, set up by a beautiful pass from Zac Morgan.

Harvey Keating was in everything, getting many touches and helping Rochester to lock the ball into their forward line for the majority of the quarter. Zac Morgan was doing great in the ruck, against a very tall opposition.

Rochester players are to be praised for their constant talk and encouragement on the ground, getting around their teammates as they continued to struggle to score goals.

With the momentum and intensity continuing into the fourth quarter, Rochester started to claw back the lead set up by Kangaroo Flat.

Hugh Acocks was having a great game on the ball and unselfishly set up Asher Rasmussen to goal. Rochester was finally able to reward the hard effort they had put in all game as the goals started to come, with goals to Harvey Keating, Zac Morgan and Charlie Watson snaping a beautiful goal from the pack.

Ajay Kaiser and Jag Tarrant were combining well in the backline to hold up the ball, with Reno Mountjoy attacking the ball on all occasions. Rochester continued with the high momentum and intensity until the final siren, with a terrific fight back to go down by 16 points to Kangaroo Flat.

This week marks the last round of the season, good luck to Rochester as they play in semi-final number one next weekend, go Tigers.

Rochester 5.10 40 lost to Kangaroo Flat 8.8 56

Goalkickers: Harvey Keating, Asher Rasmussen, Charles Watson, Zac Morgan, Mac Dickinson

Best Players: Harvey Keating, Asher Rasmussen, Zac Morgan, Harry Rasmussen, Jag Tarrant, Hugh Acocks

Mayreef Pty Ltd One Percenter Award: Harvey Keating

Canteen Awards: Zac Morgan, Hugh Acocks, Jag Tarrant

Under-16 Boys

The final game of the home and away season saw Rochy go through the regular season undefeated and secure the minor premiership with a 38-point win over South Bendigo.

The game was set up early, with four first-quarter goals, while keeping South Bendigo scoreless.

Midfield domination allowed for 7 scoring opportunities in the first quarter, as Kade Pearse looked likely to have a big day.

The second quarter was much of the same, Darby Martin and Sam Seabrook winning the ball with ease in the middle.

A warm day meant more players going through the middle, allowing for Jimmy Otto to put some serious speed on the game. South Bendigo were only able to score two goals in the first half, thanks to some quality defending from Curtis Howard, Jack Brennan and Jake Munro.

The third quarter was more of a tight tussle, Rochester kicking just one goal.

Pivotal one-on-one wins from Cyril Thomas-Tuaiti and Cal Giffin saw Rochy fend off some attack from the opposition, while Kaelan Connor competed in the air well. Thomas-Tuaiti also swung forward, kicking a miraculous banana goal.

The last quarter saw some changes swung, with Edan McDonald and Lachie Smith pushed forward.

The highlight of the day was certainly these two kicking their first goal of the season, meaning all 24 players have kicked a goal this year. A great team performance gives Rochester the week off heading into a big finals campaign.

Rochester 12.11 83 defeated South Bendigo 6.9 45

Goalkickers: Kade Pearse, Morgan Boyack, Jimmy Otto (2), Cale James, Jake Munro, Sam Seabrook, Edan McDonald, Cyril Thomas-Tuaiti, Lachie Smith

Best Players: Darby Martin, Sam Seabrook, Curtis Howard, Kade Pearse, Jimmy Otto, Jack Brennan

Rochester Football Netball Club One Percenter Award: Cyril Thomas-Tuaiti

Canteen Awards: Edan McDonald, Jake Munro, Curtis Howard