Rochester's under-12 girls squad finished its second-ever season this week with a finals appearance.
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Under-12 Girls
In the biting chill of Ewing Park, the Rochester Under-12 girls football team took to the field with fire in their hearts and a season’s worth of determination in their stride.
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Facing off against Golden Square in what would be their final game of the season, the Tigers proved they were not just there to compete—they were there to inspire.
Coach Trent Riordan’s pre-game words echoed with pride and purpose.
“You know what to do. Keep doing everything you’ve been doing all year. You’ve worked hard and you deserve to be here tonight.
“Remember, you are the most disciplined team in the league.”
With that, the girls charged onto the field, ready to make their mark.
From the first whistle, Frankie Hay set the tone with fierce tenacity, winning the ball and slotting the opening goal of the match.
Her grit was contagious, and the Tigers held strong to finish the first quarter six points ahead.
The second quarter saw a fierce tug-of-war as Mackenzie Harvey stood tall in the ruck, while Ella Forde dazzled with her game sense, scooping up loose balls and driving play forward.
Meila Dickinson made a strategic move to the forward line, where she lit up the scoreboard with two stunning goals, sending the Rochy crowd into a frenzy.
At three-quarter time, Riordan rallied his team once more.
“Keep working hard, you’ve got this. Don’t get caught up in the contest.”
The girls responded with heart.
Ava Rasmussen stepped up, applying relentless pressure and tackling with purpose as the Tigers clawed their way back into contention.
Despite their valiant effort, Rochester fell just short, going down by a narrow nine-point margin but the scoreboard couldn’t measure the pride and passion that radiated from the team.
Coach Riordan summed it up best.
“I’m incredibly proud of you all. Everyone tried their best. You listen, and every time I ask you to do something, you step up. Well done, girls.”
Though the season ended in defeat, the journey was anything but.
In just their second year of competition and for many, their first time ever playing football, the Under-12 girls have built more than a team.
They’ve built a sisterhood rooted in resilience, sportsmanship, and mutual respect.
With talent blooming and spirit soaring, the future of girls footy in Rochester looks brighter than ever. And if this season was any indication, the Tigers are just getting started.
Who's excited for girls footy? We are!
Rochester 4.0 (24) lost to Golden Square 5.3 (33)
Under-15 Girls
A huge congratulations to all the girls for being the first Rochy Under-15s girls team and now representing Rochy in the finals.
The Qualifying round was 1 vs 2 and saw Rochy head-to-head with White Hills.
An in-form White Hills got the early lead in the first quarter and were hard to catch.
Rochy came back in the final term, but it was too late to catch White Hills.
Rochy will take on Strathfieldsaye next weekend for a chance to make the grand final.
Rochester 2.1 (13) lost to White Hills 6.5 (41)
Best Players: Evie Riordan, Macey Ryan, Zahli Young, Ella Treacy, Alida Beer, Tilly Ryan.
Goal kickers: Alida Beer, E. Treacy.
Under-14 Mixed
Harry Rasmussen bombs it forward.
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It was a cold Sunday morning at North Bendigo for Rochester to take on Castlemaine for a spot in the grand final
In a tight first quarter for both teams, Castlemaine scored the only goal for the quarter and had a 7-point lead into the second quarter.
Castlemaine came out to score the first goal for the second quarter and had plenty of forward entries, before Rochester scored their first goal of the game from Asher Rasmussen.
Rochester was able to gain momentum across the ground and had a brilliant second half of the quarter.
Mason Mundie was strong in the backline, as the midfielders continued to work hard.
George McFadzean kicked a major, and by halftime the score was 18-all.
Rochester started the third quarter strong, with plenty of forward entries, but were unable to capitalise with a goal.
Castlemaine scored the first goal of the quarter, while Rochester continued to push all over the ground.
Zach Froon had a great quarter in the backline, with Judd Cuttriss having plenty of the ball in the middle.
Asher Rasmussen had a terrific quarter, marking everything in sight and scoring two goals for the quarter.
Rochester took an 11-point lead into the final quarter.
Castlemaine came out with momentum and was able to score two quick goals in the fourth, to take the lead by one point.
Rochester worked hard all over the ground with all players trying hard at every contest, continuing to push for scoring opportunities.
However, Castlemaine were able to hold on and come away with the win by one point.
Rochester 4.13 (37) lost to Castlemaine 5.8 (38).
Best players: Asher Rasmussen, Judd Cuttriss, Harry Rasmussen, Hugh Acocks, Mason Mundie, Harrison Wilkins.
