Harrison Wilkins looks to break free in the under-14s.
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Under-12 Girls
Rochester’s under-12 girls stormed into Canterbury Park Friday night and left no doubt - they’re here to play, and they’re here to win.
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Facing off against fifth-placed Mt Pleasant in the elimination final, the Tigers delivered a performance packed with passion, teamwork, and pure football brilliance.
With head coach Trent Riordan away, assistant coach John Forde stepped up to lead the charge, backed by Glenn Hay.
The girls were buzzing with excitement, and the energy was electric from the moment they arrived.
Forde's calm and encouraging pre-match message was “It’s okay to feel nervous, but go out there, try your best, have fun and treat it like any other game."
He had set the tone for what would become a masterclass in junior football.
Rochester burst out of the gates as Abbie Griffiths was fearless up front, taking strong marks and setting the tempo.
Frankie Hay, a standout all night, wasted no time, slotting the first two goals of the game and igniting the Tigers’ momentum.
Rochester finished the quarter 2.1 (13) to Mt Pleasant’s 0.0.
"Fantastic work girls. You're trusting yourselves. Keep going hard,” Forde roared at the break.
“You’re playing in front, you’re hungry, and you’re lifting each other. Keep that fire burning!”
The second quarter saw Rochy elevate their intensity.
Meila Dickinson was unstoppable as she dazzled in the forward line, using her strength and agility to brush off defenders, ducking and weaving, and kicking three goals that had the crowd on its feet.
Griffiths kept dominating, and the whole team continued to lift.
“You’re faster, tougher and smarter,” Forde said at halftime. “Meila, you’re a weapon. Mackenzie, you’re everywhere, you're smashing it.
“Keep kicking long, keep standing tall. You’re showing what Rochy footy is all about.”
Mt Pleasant tried to rally, but Rochester slammed the door shut.
Macey Macfarlane was relentless, laying ferocious tackles and refusing to be dragged down to the ground.
Ella Forde read the play like a veteran, intercepting Mt Pleasant from every angle.
"I'm so impressed girls - you're getting better each quarter. Keep standing your ground because you're tough and faster. You’ve got this.”
Mackenzie Harvey worked tirelessly all game, switching between ruck and full back.
The crowd witnessed Billie Watson and Josie Powles eyeballing the goal posts, kicking a goal each to help seal the deal.
Frankie Hay added two more goals to finish with four.
The Tigers hunted every loose ball, shut down every threat, and sealed the win with pure grit and unity.
“Thank goodness we have no awards to hand out because it was a brilliant team effort. You showed leadership, resilience, and heart,” Forde said after the siren.
“You got tackled, got back up, and chased them down. Not once did you give up. That’s what makes you Tigers.”
He even noted that Mt Pleasant's coach, Jason Comer, was impressed with Rochester's growth this season, but for Forde, the real victory was in the team's unity.
“It’s not just about footy skills. It’s about backing each other, playing with heart, showing respect and sportsmanship. That’s what makes this team special.”
Rochester 11.5 (71) defeated Mt Pleasant 0.0
Under-14 Mixed
Hugh Acocks distributes by hand.
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It was a beautiful Sunday morning for the first qualifying final between Rochester and White Hills at White Hills.
Rochester was pumped up, starting the game strong with the first three goals.’
Two goals went to Mac Dickinson and a single to Hugh Acocks.
Both teams settled into the game for a very even quarter, with lots of contested ball all over the ground.
Rochester was damaging when it had the ball and needed to work harder in defence to prevent White Hills scoring.
Other goal scorers for the quarter were another to Mac Dickinson and Judd Cuttriss.
Rochy led after the first quarter by 10 points.
Rochester started the second quarter with plenty of forward entries and a beautiful long-range goal from Mac Dickinson.
Both teams were having plenty of the ball all over the ground, with Asher Rasmussen leading the midfielders, winning plenty of the ball, and Judd Cuttriss having the moves on the boundary line.
Both Asher Rasmussen and Judd Cuttriss slotted goals as well.
Rochester extended its lead to 30 points.
Rochester was set for a great second half with its momentum continuing.
Rochester had plenty of the ball and was able to restrict White Hills to two goals for the quarter.
There were three goals to Mac Dickinson, two to Harrison Wilkins and singles to Will Hayler and Asher Rasmussen.
Rochester extended their lead to 57 points, going into the last quarter.
Rochester continued to have plenty of the ball, scoring the first goals of the fourth quarter.
White Hills rallied with a couple of late goals, but they couldn’t stop the Rochester momentum.
Goals for the quarter went to Mac Dickinson (3) and singles to Judd Cuttriss and George McFadzean.
Mac Dickinson had a big day out, scoring nine goals for the day.
Rochester ran home winners by 75 points, playing an impressive brand of football all over the ground.
Rochester now takes on Castlemaine in the second qualifying final next Sunday. Go Tiges.
Rochester 19.10 (124) defeated White Hills 7.7 (49)
Best players: Asher Rasmussen, Judd Cuttriss, Harry Rasmussen, Zach Froon, Hugh Acocks, Mac Dickinson.
Goal kickers: M. Dickinson (9), J. Cuttriss (3), A. Rasmussen, H. Wilkins (2), H. Acocks, G. McFadzean, W. Hayler.
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