Under-14 Mixed
With a real Grand final feel about it, the conditions were pleasant as the yellow and black supporters surrounded the ground to cheer on the Tigers as they faced off against White Hills.
The players carried an energy; mixed with both nerves and excitement. When the first ball bounced, they were ready to go.
The midfield delivered inside 50’s with Hugh Acocks lining up for an early goal. The ball was brought to the ground, and Declan was quick to get a boot to it and slot the team’s first goal, followed by a quick second to Mason Mundie.
Charles Watson and Harvey Keating laid some strong tackles to prevent White Hills from keeping possession. The Demons found their form late in the quarter taking the lead at the first break 15-23.
Early in the second, our defenders withstood the pressure, defending multiple entries. Jag Tarrant led the way, taking a mark on the goal line and chasing the ball down with the help of Zach Froon, Ella Treacy, Reno Mountjoy and Corey Pangrazio.
Through more hard-ball gets and linking up of our kids in Harvey Keating, Harry Rasmussen and Judd Cuttriss, forwards were provided many opportunities with Mason Mundie and Mac Dickinson slotting a goal each.
The Tigers went into the main break two points down, 27-29. The message from the coaches at the main break was clear; we are in with a chance. More numbers at the contests and trust in your teammates.
The Tigers did their best to stop White Hills from capitalising on the scoring end. A lot of the quarter was spent defending through the middle and forward entries, conceding only three goals to go into the final break 27-50.
With nothing to lose and the wind on our side, the boys were told that the time is now.
An early two goals to the Demons made it a difficult task. But one thing that is true of our Tiger Tribe, is that they never give up.
Despite their best efforts, the final siren rang on season 2024 with a 36-64 scoreline. Coach Tim thanked his players for their dedication and effort across the year as well as his volunteer crew for their commitment and hard work. How good it is to be a Tiger.
Rochester 5.6 36 lost to White Hills 9.10 64
Goalkickers: Mason Mundie (3), Mac Dickinson, Declan Carmichael
Best Players: Harvey Keating, Jag Tarrant, Asher Rasmussen, Mason Mundie, Zac Morgan, Harry Rasmussen
Under-16 Boys
A fairytale ending to a magical season is complete, as Rochester Under-16s claim the 2024 premiership.
A nail-biting clash, coming down to the final minutes, was a heart-stopper for all involved.
Coming up against Marong, who beat Rochy just two weeks ago, the Tigers certainly did it the hard way. Marong kicked the first within the first 20 seconds of the game and took a 21-point lead into the first quarter break.
Despite the slow start, the Tigers slowly went about clawing their way back into the game, with contributions all over the ground. The midfield group is started to win back centre clearances; however, it was certainly tough going all game.
Rochester found themselves behind at every change in the game, 8 points down going into the last. Kicking with the breeze in the last, the belief from the Tiger Army grew stronger with every minute.
Rochester only hit the front with about five minutes to go, with nervous times as the ball lived in Marong’s forward line in the dying minutes. Some crucial marks late in defence were the saving grace for the Tigers, who fought off final surges late in the game.
The final siren was the cherry on top of a marvellous season from all involved, a true Cinderella story. Every single individual contributed to what was a truly well-deserved premiership.
Rochester 8.6 54 defeated Marong 7.6 48
Goalkickers: Jimmy Otto (3), Kade Pearse (2), Tom McFadzean, Cale James, Sam Seabrook
Best Players: Sam Seabrook, Darby Martin, Jimmy Otto, Darcey Pump, Cale James, Mitch Munro