Although they put in a spirited effort on Sunday, the Tigers were ultimately downed by Kyabram 13.14 (92) to 8.14 (62) in the Goulburn Valley League senior decider at Deakin Reserve.
Coming up against a powerful, minor premier, Rochester coach Ash Watson had plenty of good things to say about his squad despite the result.
“I thought (the boys) brought the heat, our pressure was good, proud of their effort, was just a bit of class in the end that cost us,” Watson said.
The Tigers had good stretches of play in the first half, but a devastating run from the Bombers in the third quarter gave them a game-winning lead.
“Early I thought their clearances probably got us, they got us a bit through the midfield and they made the most of their opportunities forward,” Watson said.
“They just let us use the ball pretty well and cut us up on transition.
“They had a bit of a patch in the third quarter where they got a bit of momentum and it was pretty hard to stop (Tom) Holman there in that little 10-minute patch.
“That’s probably the game right there.”
Holman kicked three goals in the third quarter.
Down a big margin, Rochester had chances to rally and arguably won the middle of the park in the final term, but a wayward goal-kicking effort saw the Tigers unable to convert on their pressure, booting 2.10 in the term.
The Tigers have been one of the major success stories in the GVL the past few seasons, improving from four wins in Watson’s first year in charge, to a preliminary final in 2024 and a grand final appearance this campaign.
“Super proud of the year, grade A group, culture’s strong and the boys are loaded up ready to go again,” he said.
“Obviously, we’re disappointed, but we’ll be back again.”
11°C