Under 12 Girls
Our young, energetic Under 12 girls hit the home turf on Friday night ready to take on top side St Francis.
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Back in Round 6, the girls lost by 82 points, but this time the vibe was completely different.
Coach Trent Riordan, cool, calm and collected as always, set the tone with a message that had the girls standing tall.
“It’s going to be a tough game tonight, but we’ve done the hard work,” he said.
“We’ve grown and become a better team.
“It doesn’t matter if we win or lose I just want you all to go out there and show St Francis how much we’ve improved in seven rounds.
“Keep your heads up and have fun.”
From the first bounce, St Francis looked a bit stunned as the Tigers brought the pressure and kept them goalless in the first quarter.
The teamwork was awesome, lots of voice, shepherding and smart play.
Annemarie Smith was on fire early and only got better, tackling hard and attacking the ball fearlessly.
Ella Forde ran smoothly all night, laid strong tackles and shut down St Francis whenever she got the chance.
As the game rolled on, St Francis began to settle behind the ball and managed to lock the footy in their forward half for patches, but they had to work for every metre.
At halftime, Coach Riordan reminded the girls, “Keep fighting ladies. Yes, it’s tough, but we’re making it hard for St Francis and this is the first time they’ve had to work for it. Let’s get the ball and move it forward quickly, and make sure we’re always one kick away so we have a target.”
The girls responded with grit and heart.
Bec Duckworth was strong in the ruck, tapping cleanly to her teammates.
Mackenzie Harvey played smart all night, reading the play beautifully and growing in confidence with every contest.
Her second and third efforts were outstanding.
Zoe Mangan applied fierce pressure and laid several strong tackles that lifted her teammates.
The final score read Rochester 0.0.0 to St Francis 5.4.40, but the scoreboard didn’t tell the real story.
The Tigers showed grit, growth and genuine improvement across every line.
Their pressure, teamwork and resilience proved just how far they’ve come since Round 6 and in true Rochester spirit, the girls also showed brilliant sportsmanship, helping St Francis field a team when they were short on numbers.
Not one Tiger complained about pulling on the green jersey, an incredible show of character and respect for the game.
Post‑ game, Coach Riordan praised the girls for their resilience, teamwork and massive improvement, not just as individual players, but as a united, confident team.
Despite only their second loss of the season, the Tigers skipped off the field smiling, proud, and already excited for the chance to meet St Francis again come finals time.
Rochester 0 lost to St Francis 5.4 40
Rochester Sports Museum Award: Abbie Griffiths.
Mundie Constructions Award: Ella Forde.
The Café Rochester Award: Izzy Brooks.
Under 12 Mixed
Rochester’s Under 12s signed off their 2026 season in style on Saturday, defeating Echuca Bombers by 22 points on a beautiful afternoon that offered the first taste of spring.
The Tigers made the perfect start, kicking three goals in the opening quarter to take control of the contest.
Echuca fought back hard in the second term, holding Rochester scoreless while booting three goals of their own to level the scores at the main break.
With the game up for grabs, Rochester responded brilliantly after half-time.
The boys produced their best football of the afternoon, and possibly even the season, piling on four goals in the third quarter to regain the momentum and build a match-winning lead.
Goals came from Jed Cox, Jackson Syers, Sid Watson, Seth Rasmussen, Ralph Murray and Archie Keating.
Rochester 7.3 45 defeated Echuca Bombers 3.5 23
Luke Ryan Real Estate Award: Jackson Syers.
St Joseph’s Primary School Award: Sid Watson, Ralph Murray.
Coaches awards: Jacob Turri, Seth Rasmussen, Archie Keating.
Healthy Loddon Campaspe Award: Jerome Murray.
While the win was a fantastic way to end the year, the season has been about far more than results.
This group has grown enormously, building confidence, friendships and a genuine love of the game.
Week after week, the players have represented the Rochester Junior Football Club with determination, respect and teamwork, making their coaches, families and supporters incredibly proud.
A huge thank you goes to the coaches, runners, trainers, volunteers, committee members and families who dedicate so much of their time to make junior football possible.
Your support doesn’t go unnoticed.
Most importantly, congratulations to every one of our Under 12 Tigers.
You should be incredibly proud of the season you’ve had.
Enjoy a well-earned break, and we can’t wait to see what 2027 has in store.
Under 14 Mixed
Rochester Under 14s went down to a polished Maiden Gully outfit, 17.21 (123) to 2.1 (13) on Sunday.
While the scoreboard didn't favour the Tigers, the players never stopped competing, showing plenty of grit and determination against a side that made the most of its opportunities throughout the day.
A highlight for Rochester came early in the second quarter, when Luke Drust kicked the Tigers' first goal of the afternoon, rewarding the team's persistence and lifting the spirits at the home ground.
The second major of the day came when Jaxon Wolfe took a mark deep in attack and chose to pass to Walt James rather than take the shot himself.
James finished the play with a composed goal, capping off a passage of football perfectly.
Jack Martin, Nash Riordan and Max Seabrook played some of their best football of the season today - never giving up and always attacking the opposition.
Despite the final margin, Rochester continued to tackle, chase and encourage one another until the final siren.
Their resilience and positive attitude against quality opposition were clear positives to take away from the contest.
Best players: Walt James, Harrison Wilkins, Trey Hayes, Cooper Rasmussen, George McFadzean, Jack Martin.
Goal Kickers: L Drust, W. James.
Mayreef Pty Ltd Award: Patrick O'Sullivan.
Glenavon Farms Award: Nash Riordan.
Canteen Awards: Jack Martin and Heath Wilkins.
Under 15 Girls
Rochester’s Under 15 girls may have had an early start on Sunday, but with the sun beaming over Dower Park and a spring in their step, they were ready to take on a tough Kangaroo Flat outfit.
Coach Nic Duckworth reminded the team that their hard work was paying off, they’d been playing great footy, training strongly, and most importantly, they were there to have fun.
From the first whistle, the young Tigers knew they were in for a battle.
Kangaroo Flat applied fierce pressure, forcing Rochester to dig deep and get their heads over the ball.
The Tigers fought hard to win possession, but Kangaroo Flat’s backline was relentless, smothering any loose balls that came their way.
That didn’t stop Chelsea Braithwaite, who broke through to kick Rochester’s first goal of the day.
Her speed, determination, and ability to chase down opponents set the tone early and gave Rochester the upper hand.
As the game tightened and space became scarce, the Tigers continued to push, refusing to be rattled.
Isabella Russell was a standout once again, her ruck work was brilliant, tapping cleanly and then following up to win her own ball.
Paired with Alida Beer and Gracie Cox, the trio formed a dominant midfield unit that was hard to beat.
Alida’s willingness to take risks opened up the game and helped Rochester gain control.
At halftime, Coach Duckworth praised the girls for their courage, pressure, and willingness to take the game on head‑ first.
“ Keep talking out there, it’ s starting to get quiet,” she said, while commending the backline for keeping Kangaroo Flat goalless.
The second half saw Ash Duckworth step up, kicking two goals and using her voice to guide and encourage her teammates.
Zahli Young impressed with her speed and strength, using her body cleverly to off‑ balance opponents and win crucial contests.
Her control and steadiness were highlights of the day.
Rochester continued to work hard across the ground, shepherding, linking up, and finding space as the game wore on.
Their teamwork and connection were on full display, and by the final siren, the Tigers had earned a brilliant 42-point win.
Post‑ game, Coach Duckworth praised the girls for their improvement, grit, and ability to dig deeper each quarter.
Their teamwork, skills, and spirit are really starting to shine, and Sunday’ s performance proved just how far they’ve come.
Rochester 6.14 50 defeated Kangaroo Flat 1.2 8
Goal Kickers: A. Beer (3), A. Duckworth (2), C. Braithwaite.
Best players: Isabella Russell, Alida Beer, Gracie Cox, Chelsea Braithwaite, Aliza Beer, Ash Duckworth.
Mawsons Concrete and Quarries award: Sienna Weeks.
Darling Irrigation Award: Arlia Weeks.
Iddles Lane Emporium Award: Zyrah Weeks.
Healthy Loddon Campaspe Award: Gracie Cox.