A gun mid-season recruit has helped guide Rochester to its second win of the Goulburn Valley League campaign on Saturday as the Tigers clawed their way home in courageous fashion.
Former VFL talent Dylan Gordon was best-afield for the Tigers as a healthy crowd at Moon Oval watched the hosts boot four of the last five goals of the match in a class final-quarter comeback.
Despite leading by a kick late in the fourth quarter, the Swans were unable to hold on, with Rochester replicating its round five win over Tatura and kicking the final two goals of the game to seal a memorable 12.11 (83) to 10.12 (72) triumph.
Bowen Calogero, Quade Johnstone and VFL talent Zac Banch (one goal) were the Swans’ top performers, while Gordon, star mid Joe Atley and Sean Williams (four) gave Rochester terrific outputs.
The win also lifts Rochester off the bottom of the ladder and into 10th spot ― just behind the ninth-placed Swans.
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Arms up: Rochester's Dylan Gordon. Photo by Bruce PoveyImage 2 of 6
Turn and go: Swans' Ty Collison. Photo by Bruce PoveyImage 3 of 6
Under pressure: Rochester's Dillon Williams. Photo by Bruce PoveyImage 4 of 6
Wrapped up: Rochester's Joe Atley is tackled by Swans' Andrew Riordan. Photo by Bruce PoveyImage 5 of 6
Down low: Rochester's Grant Fuller is tackled by Swans' Zac Banch. Photo by Bruce PoveyImage 6 of 6
Not a good sign: Rochester's Mitch Cricelli is helped from the ground. Photo by Bruce PoveyA proud Ash Watson described the pulsating and lead-changing contest a great “learning curve” for his young outfit.
“It was a bit of an arm-wrestle,” the Rochester mentor said.
“They got in front and then we were in front, but then they got up by about six or so points late in the last quarter until we kicked a couple of late goals through Sean and Mitch (Cricelli) to get back in front.
“I’m really proud of the performance to fight back and it’s a real confidence boost win for our young group.
“We’ve been in similar positions a lot this year to sides in the bottom six ... I think it just shows the development of our group.”
Gordon’s appearance was a timely one for the Tigers and his presence down back and through the ruck was praised by Watson.
“Dyl is a great talent. He’s a big body, he played across half-back and spent some time at the end in the ruck and we were really happy with his performance. He competed well and won his one-on-ones and he uses the ball well too.”
Gordon’s shift from Elmore has him link up with brother-in-law Mitch Cricelli ― who finished the game under an injury cloud.
Watson said the Tigers’ star tall copped a knock to his knee, but was able to complete the match.
“We’re not sure how bad his injury is at the moment, but he’ll get it looked at and get it assessed this week,” Watson said.
“I don’t think it’s too bad, but we won’t know for sure until he gets it looked at.”