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GVL | Gallery | Rochester secures top four finish with convincing victory

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On the ball: Rochester and Joe Atley will play finals football this year. Photo by Bruce Povey

Rochester produced another impressive Goulburn Valley League display on Saturday afternoon to lock in fourth spot on the ladder.

The Tigers welcomed Shepparton to Moon Oval for the final round encounter, with the home side running out an 18.10 (118) to 7.9 (51) victor.

It was a joyful afternoon for the men in yellow and black, however, inaccurate kicking from both sides had their lead sit at 2.4 (16) to 0.3 (3) at quarter-time.

Wrapped up: Rochester's Adam McPhee is tackled by Shepparton's Nic Allan and Mitch Brett. Photo by Bruce Povey

In the second term the Tigers managed to kick straight, piling on four goals and a point, while the Bears missed a number of chances.

With the home side holding a 29-point lead at half-time, both sides came out firing in the third, before a dominant final quarter to Rochester put the result well beyond doubt.

Kicking off: Rochester's Shaun Atley plays the ball forwards. Photo by Bruce Povey

Joe Atley was named the Tigers’ best, with Shaun Atley, Adam McPhee, Nathan Kay and Hugh Hamilton standing out.

For the Bears it was Jordan McGregor who was acknowledged for his efforts, while Jed Warrin, Tyler Bell, Mitch Brett and Anthony Andronaco also played well.

Eyes on the ball: Shepparton's Anthony Andronaco and Rochester’s Joe Atley go at it. Photo by Bruce Povey

While the result locks in a top four finish for Rochester, it marks the end of a disappointing year for Shepparton.

Ted Lindon’s brigade wrap up the year in ninth position, behind cross-town rival Shepparton Swans on percentage, with both on five wins for the year.

Teamwork: Shepparton’s Mitch Brett releases the ball. Photo by Bruce Povey
Goal scorer: Rochester coach Steven Stroobants kicked four goals on the day. Photo by Bruce Povey
Strong hands: Shepparton's Rowan Hiscock takes a mark. Photo by Bruce Povey
Up and about: Rochester's Nathan Kay takes a grab. Photo by Bruce Povey
Bear hug: Rochester's Joe Atley gets tackled by Shepparton’s Miles Rowlands. Photo by Bruce Povey
Happy days: Rochester's Fraser Cleary, Joe Atley, Angus Martin, Shaun Atley, Hamish Hooppell and Lachie Harper sing the song. Photo by Bruce Povey