Rochester’s Goulburn Valley League finals hopes were gifted a major boost on Saturday.
The Tigers accounted for their round 15 opponents in Tatura with a comfortable 22.13 (145) to 4.2 (26) triumph.
But in Mooroopna, a seismic Cats win over Seymour has gifted Rochester an entrance into the GVL top six, and a serious leg-up in its race for finals footy.
With three winnable games on the horizon, and two commanding wins under their belt since the split round, the Tigers are well and truly in the hunt as the season nears its crescendo.
Despite the loss, Tatura was able to celebrate the memorable occasion of club legend Linc Wellington breaking the club’s games record on Saturday — on the back of game 300 last week.
But it was Steven Stroobants’ men who celebrated on the scoreboard at Tatura Park, blasting themselves in front early with a six-goal-to-one first quarter.
And they were only just getting started.
The ruthless Tigers more or less put the game to bed before the half-time siren, booting eight unanswered goals in the second term to lead by 84 points at the main change.
The Bulldogs fought back valiantly in the third on the back of some fine work from Billy Cooper and Tom Sullivan but could not sustain the momentum, kicking one goal in the final quarter to Rochester’s six.
Christopher Jansen stamped his authority on the game in the midfield and on the scoreboard on Saturday, booting five goals to continue his blistering run of form.
Playing-coach Stroobants was also in fine touch, slamming home six goals to make it 14 in his last three outings.
Adam McPhee marked a return to a Rochester midfield which is now brimming with top-tier talent, with Shaun Atley and Hugh Hamilton getting among Rochester’s best-on for the second week running.
Hamish Hooppell also made a return in some style, chalking up his 100th appearance in the yellow-and-black.
The Tigers return to Moon Oval this week for a clash with Shepparton United in the split round.