Under 12 Girls

Round 12 has come and gone for our Under-12 girls, who took on South Bendigo Red under the night lights at Moon Oval.

After the team’s photo shoot, Coach Trent Riordan kept his pre‑game message simple, "Have fun, move the ball forward quickly, and tackle hard."

The girls were buzzing with their usual full‑on energy, their warm‑up filled with chat, noise, and encouragement.

From the first bounce, Rochester pushed the ball forward quickly but ran straight into South Bendigo Red’s fierce backline.

The Tigers had to scramble for the footy and fight for space in the forward line as South Bendigo kept applying pressure and crowding the contest.

Even so, Annemarie Smith showed she was determined and relentless, attacking the ball at every opportunity, while Ava Rasmussen laid outstanding tackles that stopped South Bendigo in their tracks.

It was superstar Frankie Hay who broke through first, slotting the opening goal and lighting up the scoreboard.

South Bendigo didn’t make anything easy, though, and Coach Riordan reminded the girls to use their voice, have each other’s backs, and keep cool heads.

“South Bendigo are getting pushy, but let’s keep being better players. Get down low and attack the ball.”

South Bendigo managed to break free at times as Rochy weren’t manning up, but the Tigers lifted and tightened their pressure.

Ella Forde was her ever‑reliable self, always one kick away, scooping up crumbs and sending the ball forward.

The forward line built a solid wall, trusting each other and growing stronger as the game went on.

Scarlett Macfarlane showed growing confidence with her running, tackling, and attempts to pull down several marks in the goal square.

Macca Harvey showed smart play, a cool head, and belief in herself to get the job done.

Sophie Godden was solid all night, taking marks, reading the play beautifully, and moving the ball quickly.

Alva Acocks played her best game ever - confident, composed and applying pressure at every contest.

Frankie Hay finished with four goals for the night, a brilliant performance that helped push Rochy ahead.

South Bendigo Red fought hard, but the Tigers dug deep and came away with a 27-point win.

Rochester 5.3 (33) defeated South Bendigo Red 1.0 (6)

Mundie Constructions Award: Scarlett Macfarlane.

Rochester Sports Museum Award: Alva Acocks.

The Café Rochester: Mackenzie Harvey.

Under 12 Mixed

Rochester 9.10 (64) defeated Tongala Blues 3.1 (19)

Luke Ryan Real Estate Award: Riley Nichol.

St Joseph’s Primary School Award: Cooper Fynch.

Canteen awards: Seth Rasmussen and Jacob Turri.

Under 15 Girls

The sun finally broke through the clouds on Rochester’s home turf, setting the scene for a determined and spirited performance from the under-15 Tigers as they faced a strong Marong side.

The girls knew the challenge ahead, but their energy was high from the first bounce.

Coach Nic Duckworth set the tone early, reminding the team to stay switched on, compete hard, and enjoy their footy.

From the opening contest, Isabella Russell dominated the ruck.

Her powerful leaps, clean taps, and ability to read the play gave Rochester first use of the ball time and time again.

She didn’t just ruck, she broke through packs, surged forward, and set up attacking chains with confidence and strength.

Working alongside her was Alida Beer, whose speed and willingness to take on the game were standout features.

Her run and carry, clean handballs, and ability to regain the ball after contact showed just how much she has grown each week.

She wasn’t afraid to take risks, push herself, and challenge defenders as she drove toward goal.

The young Tigers held Marong scoreless until the third quarter, thanks to relentless pressure, strong tackling, and smart defensive structures.

To Marong’s credit, they never stopped making Rochester work, applying pressure and forcing contests across the ground.

But it’s hard to keep the Tigers quiet, especially with Zoe Squires and Gracie Cox using their pace to glide through the midfield and deliver the ball forward with smooth, effortless kicking.

Both girls attacked the ball fearlessly, shut down opponents, and kept Rochester’s momentum rolling.

Up forward, Sienna Weeks stood tall all game, finishing with three goals.

Her clean hands and composure under pressure gave Rochester a reliable target inside 50.

Not to be outdone, Ash Duckworth capped off a brilliant performance with four clever goals.

Her leadership was evident, providing a strong voice, smart positioning, and constant encouragement for her teammates.

By the final siren, the Tigers were buzzing. They took risks, linked up beautifully, tackled hard, and played with genuine joy.

Coach Duckworth praised the group after the match, telling them to be proud of how far they’ve come.

“It’s a shame the season is nearly over because we’re really starting to trust each other.

“We’re getting more confident, faster, and our skills have improved every week. Well done, girls.”

It was a brilliant game full of teamwork, talk, speed, and determination; a true reflection of how much this young Rochester side has grown.

Rochester 11.11 (77) defeated Marong 2.2 (14)

Best Players: Isabella Russell, Alida Beer, Ash Duckworth, Zoe Squires, Sienna Weeks, Gracie Cox.

Goal Kickers: Ash Duckworth (4), Sienna Weeks (3), Alida Beer (2), Heidi Woodfine, Zahli Young.

Mawsons Concrete & Quarries Award: Isabella Russell.

Darling Irrigation Award: Macey Macfarlane.

Iddles Lane Emporium Award: Heidi Woodfine.

Under 16s

Rochester 1.0 (6) lost to Strathfieldsaye 23.26 (164)

Best players: Mac Dickinson, Asher Rasmussen, Hugh Acocks, Oliver Seamer, Mason Mundie, Heath Kyne

Goalkickers: A. Rasmussen

Rochester Football Netball Club Awards: Mac Dickinson and Asher Rasmussen

Glenavon Farms Award: Hugh Acocks

Canteen Awards: Oliver Seamer, Mason Mundie and Heath Kyne

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Sunday, 23rd February 2031

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