The Tigers were relentless from the outset, holding Tatura scoreless in the opening half on their way to a thumping 24.14 (158) to 3.0 (18) Goulburn Valley League victory.
It was the kind of ruthless performance coach Ash Watson had been calling for, and one that leaves his side brimming with belief ahead of September.
“I was really proud of the way they played yesterday,” Watson said.
“Historically this year we probably haven’t put away sides, so it was good to put our foot down and play the way we want to play leading into the finals series. To finish on 15 wins, which is an improvement on last year, shows we’re progressing well.”
Hugh Hamilton was again the spearhead, booting 10 goals to cap a superb home and away campaign that’s yielded 59 majors.
He was well supported by Wil Hamilton with three, while James McPhee and Hamish Heine chipped in with four apiece as the Tigers’ forward half cashed in on a mountain of supply.
But for Watson, the focus quickly turned to this week’s qualifying final against Kyabram, a match-up that has loomed for much of the season.
The Bombers dropped their last two games after going undefeated through the opening 16 rounds, yet they remain the benchmark.
“They’re the best team in the comp,” Watson said.
“They beat us pretty comfortably last time we played them, so we’ll put a few things in place and get ready for the challenge this weekend.”
In round 11, Kyabram handed Rochester its heaviest defeat of the year — a 62-point margin — exposing the lapses that have occasionally crept into the Tigers’ game.
Watson said ironing those out would be the key.
“They just played the whole four quarters,” he said.
“We had lapses in that game and it cost us pretty quickly. You can’t sleep for a minute against them because they put scoreboard pressure on very quickly. If we can stop that, we’ll be on our way.”
While Kyabram still finished minor premier with a 16-2 record, Rochester’s consistency through the back half of the season has it firmly in the premiership mix.
Its unbeaten run since early July includes wins over Echuca, Euroa and Shepparton Swans, plus a draw against fellow contender Mansfield.
The double chance is now locked in, with victory this week offering the bonus of a week off before a preliminary final.
For Watson, it’s all about translating recent momentum into the high-pressure environment of finals.
“We know it’s going to be different against Ky,” he said.
“But we’re looking forward to the challenge and, hopefully, it’s a big month ahead of us.”
