There was little an undermanned Shepparton United side could do to resist a rampant Rochester outfit on Saturday afternoon, as the Tigers cruised to a comfortable 29.15 (189) to 0.3 (3) dismantling of the Demons at Moon Oval.
Not only did Rochester secure another crucial four points in round 16, but the 186-point drubbing gives the side’s percentage a healthy boost as crunch time nears.
The Tigers’ third win on the trot positions them four points above Kyabram and Seymour in fifth, although the Bombers have a game up their sleeve and may well draw level on points this weekend.
There was no shortage of contributors for the hosts on Saturday afternoon, but an eye-catching Hugh Hamilton performance — capped off with an astonishing seven goals — earned the Carlton VFL midfielder best-on-ground.
Jacob Atley stepped up to grab a spot among Tigers’ best, along with James McPhee, Nathan Kay and Daniel Russell.
The goalscoring stakes is where playing-coach Steven Stroobants may be most pleased, with as many as nine different players managing to hit the scoreboard.
Hamilton’s seven led the way, while Mitch Cricelli, Blake Evans and James McPhee all added four goals to their respective tallies.
Dylan Cuttriss and Stroobants (3) also ensured they got in on the action.
On a difficult day for United, skipper Kyle Clarke, Sheldon Bogdan, Kaedyn Napier, Liam Serra and Harry Smith battled hard against all odds for the Dees.
A week off gifts Rochester a chance to further assess its run home, and the Tigers’ finals fate is now well and truly in their hands.
A trip to Shepparton Swans in a fortnight, and a final-round clash with Shepparton at Moon Oval will round out the season proper.