Just one win away from the promised land of a senior Goulburn Valley League flag, Rochester co-captain Wil Hamilton, alongside Nathan McCarty, understands the magnitude of the occasion.

“(I’m feeling) pretty privileged to have the honour (of captaining the team in a grand final) alongside Nathan McCarty, who’s been a big role model of mine for a few years playing alongside him,” Hamilton said.

“It’s been great to lead the team with him and get as far as a grand final.

“We’ve built on the last couple of years and are now heading into deeper water.”

From a side that scored four wins in Ash Watson’s first season in charge in 2023, to one of the league’s powerhouse clubs, it’s been a meteoric rise for Rochester, built around the buy-in to Watson’s vision.

“Since Ash has come on as the head coach, we’ve had a set game plan, and we’ve just been building on that the past few years, fine-tuning it as games go on, and we’re starting to reap the rewards of that now,” Hamilton said.

“The respect he has from the whole playing group is massive.

“What he does and how he speaks just goes volumes with the group, we’d all follow that man anywhere.”

There are several family pairings within the Tigers team, but none more prominent than the Hamiltons, brothers Wil and Hugh joined by former GWS Giant Cooper this year at the Tigers.

It’s a special connection within the larger squad of footballing brothers.

“I didn’t think I’d be playing quite as much footy alongside them this year, but it’s been great to have us all there together, and I think it’s really gone a long way for myself and them in just enjoying playing footy,” Hamilton said.

“The rest of the crew we’ve got as well, everyone’s mates, and it makes everything a whole lot sweeter when you’re winning alongside mates.”

Rochester must face up to the might of Kyabram in the grand final, as it looks to claim its first flag in 17 years.

Captain Hamilton understands the challenge his side faces, but feels it has the tools to take on the Bombers.

“I think we’re pretty keen for the challenge,” he said.

“We’ve noticed from past games against them that we can keep it with them, it’s just a matter of playing a full four-quarter effort to get us across the line.

“We know that our best is up there with them, but it’s just a matter of maintaining our best footy for a full four quarters.”

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Friday, 25th December 2026

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