Gallery | Rochester finishes 2023 on a high with win over Shepparton United

Led by star tall Mitch Cricelli, who booted a game-high four majors, the Tigers dominated the second quarter with four goals to zip to enter the main break with a 32-point buffer.

United had great service from home-grown VFL talent Jye Chalcraft and defenders Kyle Clarke and Mitch Trevaskis, however the Dees were unable to replicate their previous round’s win and finished the year in 11th spot.

And while it might have been disappointment in the away rooms, on the other side of the roller door it was memorable scenes as the Rochy community came together for one final time this season.

“Absolutely (a great way to end the year), it’s been a tough year for the town and the community. I’ve been proud of the local fellas, they haven’t always got the results we wanted, but yesterday was awesome,” Watson said.

“It’s more about how proud I am of them, especially after a tough 12 months. I’m really proud of their efforts.

“We know we’ve got a long way to go, but I just want them to enjoy the moment.

“It gives us a bit of momentum to go into next year and I was really pleased with the performance.”

Watson revealed preparations for next year had ramped up.

The Tigers’ mentor is returning, along with star talents Cricelli, Joe Atley and Dylan Gordon.

Cricelli capped off an impressive campaign with an influential performance in attack, while Atley was a “standout” through the midfield.

Grant Fuller had “his best game” of the year in an afternoon where the onballer was tasked to negate United’s gun midfielder Chalcraft.

Watson praised his leading performers and the return of smooth mover Adam McPhee after missing more than two months with a broken thumb injury.

“In that second term, we won the clearance battle and got the ball into Mitch up forward and he clunked a few for us,” he said.

“I’m happy with the way we played (in that quarter). Joe was a standout, Grant had his best game and he won a heap of contested footy. He did a few accountable roles in the midfield on some of their better players. Adam McPhee came back in to the side after missing 10 or so weeks and gave us a lot of run and ball use.”