Four of Rochester’s key playmakers were “sidelined’’ for an intra-club practice match at Moon Oval on Friday night in a frustrating start to the season for new coach Ash Watson.
Watson and assistant Steve Rasmussen took responsibility for the two squads, the first led by experienced Mitch Bright and the other by experienced goalsneak Nick O’Connor.
Bright had the advantage of having a super-fit looking Joe Atley as his right-hand man in the midfield.
Co-captain Nathan Marrone, goal-kicking midfielder Hugh Hamilton, his key forward brother Will and injury-riddled centreman Doug Wren were all on the sidelines for the practice match.
Centre half-forward Will Hamilton has missed most of the past two years, but is expected to be back within the first month of the season.
The news for his brother is not so bright, but he remained involved on Friday night by taking responsibility as the central umpire for the match.
Marrone was also restricted to umpiring duties, having last week been named as co-captain of the club with Nathan McCarty, who was unavailable for the match after his wedding two weeks ago.
Wren, who will be vital with the departure of key midfielders Shaun Atley and Christopher Jansen, did not play last season with a knee injury and remains on the comeback trail.
Ruckman Andy Henderson, who has an important role this season with the loss of Dan Russell to Heathcote league club Elmore, was also restricted to running laps.
In a sign of an early season solution to the big-man stocks, the wiry frame of Jacob Atley was used in the ruck by Watson and his brainstrust.
The major concern for the Tigers is the back injury of Hamilton, who played seven games as a 19-year-old with the Bendigo Pioneers and also made three appearances with Carlton in the VFL competition.
He had committed full-time to Rochester this season, but the off-season injury will require surgery and an extended period on the sidelines.
Hamilton kicked 15 goals in the final four home-and-away matches last season and then was the Tigers’ best player in its elimination final loss to Mooroopna.
In six of his eight games with the Tigers last season, he was among Rochester’s best half-dozen players.
In positive news, key defender Hamish Hooppell, who missed six games in the middle of last season, moved well in the match and on-baller Adam McPhee also had plenty of the ball.
Of the 40-plus senior and under-age squad members involved in the practice match, there was a definite lack of height in the Tigers’ team.
O’Connor had plenty of the ball in the midfield. He missed a handful of games last season and kicked seven goals.
Key forward Mitch Cricelli did not play in the match.
He was used regularly to pinch hit in the ruck last season, but finished the season with 44 goals from his 19 games.
Only Steve Stroobants (47 goals) managed more goals for the Tigers.
Joe Atley was the standout player in the match, the reigning Essendon VFL best-and-fairest winner gathering possessions at will.
He played only four games with the Tigers last season, but has made a full-time commitment to the club for the 2023 season.
Matt Kellet, Grant Fuller and Cricelli were all away for the weekend, but their absence allowed teenagers to feature prominently.
Charlie Palmer played in the ruck and may gain promotion if Cricelli is used mostly in attack, while Nate Rasmussen, Reid Hocking, Ray Pearson and Hugh Kerlin were also busy.
Tobie Woodfine and Harrison Foster also gave eye-catching performances.