Wayward goal-kicking impacted what was a perfect day for James Flaherty's men, as they kept the hapless Demons to a single goal, which came in the last five minutes.
"The result was really pleasing, we knew what was at stake if we had of lost," Flaherty said
"We could have kicked straighter which would have helped our percentage.
"But defensively, we almost held them goalless which was a great effort by the boys."
James Gledhill and Jaycob Dingwall were superb down back for the Tigers, cutting off United's attacks before they could come into fruition.
But it was midfield bull Mitch Bright who starred for the Tigers.
Bright's attack on the contest and leadership earned him best afield honours.
"Gledhill and Dingwall cut off their entries and were superb down back," Flaherty said.
"Mitch's attack on the ball is a big strength of his game, he just leads by example.
"And Liam is becoming a very dangerous forward.
"He's having a very good first year at the club and he's one of those players, when he's on, he's hard to stop."
Flaherty's men cast their gaze to Saturday's do-or-die contest at the Benalla Showgrounds, with the winner set to play finals.
"It's going to be tough, but the ball is in our court," he said.
"If we win, we play finals, but if we lose, that pretty much ends the season.
"It should be a cracking contest, we always have a great game against them."
For United, co-captain Matt Rendina - in his 200th senior game - and Matt Di Bella were influential, alongside Ben Pendritti (one goal) and Mitch Roche.
THE GAME
Rochester 1.6, 4.10, 9.17, 14.22 (106)
Shepparton United 0.2, 0.5, 0.5, 1.5 (11)
Goals
Rochester: Liam Bartels 4, Wil Hamilton 3, Rhys Free 2, Brodie Montague, Nick O'Connor, James McPhee, Nathan McCarty, Nathan Marrone
Shepparton United: Ben Pedretti 1
Best
Rochester: Mitch Bright, Liam Bartels, James Gledhill, Jackson McEwen, Nick O'Connor, Jaycob Dingwall
Shepparton United: Matt Rendina, Matt Di Bella, Mitch Roche, Ben Pedretti, Dwain Vidler, Shane Neaves
10°C