Under-12 Girls
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Rochester’s Under-12 girls braved freezing, fog‑ soaked conditions at White Hills on Friday night, the coldest match they’ve ever played, but nothing could dampen the spirit, grit or determination of this tight‑ knit young team.
Coach Trent Riordan kept the message simple and familiar; teamwork, voice, and constant movement.
He also shared a proud moment with the group, Frankie Hay is officially leading the league goal kicking for the Under-12s, a huge achievement for the talented Tiger.
From the opening bounce, Frankie wasted no time stamping her authority, slotting the first goal within seconds and setting the tone for the night.
White Hills came out loud, physical and full of attitude, hoping to rattle the Tigers, but Rochester’s calm heads, discipline and unity quickly took control.
By quarter time, the Tigers had stormed ahead 4.1 to 0, silencing the home crowd.
First‑ year live wire Scarlett Macfarlane was fearless, throwing herself into contests, laying shepherds and bursting through traffic.
In the forward line, Billie Watson was rock‑ solid, taking strong marks and refusing to let anything slip past her.
Abbie Griffiths also made a statement of her own, showing everyone she’s not on the field to be pushed around, standing her ground and standing tall all night in every contest.
Meanwhile, Frankie Hay continued to dominate, unstoppable and unfazed by the physical pressure.
She showed exactly why she sits atop the league’s goal‑ kicking tally, powerful, composed and dangerous every time the ball came near her.
As White Hills grew frustrated, the physicality escalated but Rochester didn't bite.
At half-time, Trent praised the girls for their mental strength, composure and refusal to be dragged into the chaos.
Their encouragement of each other and commitment to team-first football was outstanding.
The Tigers continued to dominate after the break, keeping White Hills scoreless in the second half.
Ella Forde once again played her trademark role beautifully, hovering just off the pack, reading the play perfectly and cleaning up loose balls to drive the team forward.
Across the ground, every Tiger stepped up.
Talisa Sinclair pushed hard toward goal and was unlucky to hit the post, but her resilience and enthusiasm lifted the team.
Izzy Ryan was tackled repeatedly but bounced up every single time, tough as nails and determined like a little bulldog.
Through all the cold, fog and physical pressure, the young Tigers were having an absolute ball.
Their energy was sky‑ high, their smiles were constant, and the crowd could clearly see just how much fun they were having.
The girls were proud of themselves, proud of each other, and their joy was infectious.
When the final siren sounded, Rochester had secured a commanding 56-point victory.
Despite the cold, the fog and the physical pressure, the Tigers showed brilliant sportsmanship, teamwork and heart.
Post‑ game, Trent applauded the girls for their effort, courage and refusal to give up, celebrating the fact that they had four different goal kickers and a full, team contribution in tough conditions.
Rochester 9.10 64 defeated White Hills 1.2 8
Mundie Constructions Award: Ella Forde.
Rochester Sports Museum Award: Talisa Sinclair.
The Café Rochester Award: Mackenzie Harvey.
Under-12 Mixed
The Under-12 Rochester Tigers braved the cold and foggy conditions on Friday night, making the trip to Kyabram for their Round 10 clash against Kyabram Black.
Rochester came out strong, keeping Kyabram scoreless in the opening quarter while piling on five goals.
The Tigers continued their momentum in the second term, controlling the game through the midfield and creating plenty of scoring opportunities.
As the fog settled across the ground in the second half, the Tigers remained focused and finished strongly.
Kyabram battled hard in the final quarter with two goals, but Rochester held firm to claim a 50-point victory.
The midfield was a highlight, with Riley Nichol dominating in the ruck and giving the Tigers plenty of drive around the ground.
Archie Keating led the scoreboard with an impressive three goals, with Bobby Watson, Cooper Fynch, Seth Rasmussen, Jackson Syers and Jed Cox also contributing majors.
A great all-round team performance from the Tigers on the road.
Rochester 10.14 74 defeated Kyabram Black 4.0 24
Luke Ryan Real Estate Award: Archie Keating.
St Joseph’s Primary School Award: Alex Robertson.
Canteen awards: Will Frawley and Jackson Syers.
Under-14 Mixed
After a week of winter gloom, the sun finally decided to make a guest appearance and judging by the intensity on the field, it wasn't the only thing bringing the heat.
Rochester Under 14A and White Hills Under 14A served up a fiery contest on the weekend, with plenty of fierce tackling and hard-running football.
Despite a determined effort, Rochester was unable to match a polished White Hills outfit, going down after a hard-fought contest.
One of Rochester's standout performers was Seth Hunter, who was outstanding through the centre. His work rate and determination helped keep the Tigers in the contest throughout the day.
The Tigers' defensive unit stood tall under relentless pressure.
Jaxon Wolfe, alongside Jack Martin, Aydin Betts and Archie Watson were outstanding across the backline, throwing themselves into contests, spoiling effectively and working together to repel countless forward entries.
Their teamwork and resilience ensured Rochester continued to fight until the final siren.
Rochester's goals were shared among Harrison Pangrazio, Walt James, Harrison Wilkins, and Cooper Rasmussen, with each player finding the big sticks after sustained team pressure.
Rochester 6.11.47 lost to White Hills 11.9.75
Best players: Walt James, Trey Hayes, Seth Hunter, Cooper Rasmussen, Luke Drust, Harrison Wilkins.
Goal Kickers - Harrison Pangrazio, Walt James (2), Harrison Wilkins, Cooper Rasmussen.
Mayreef Pty Ltd Award – Seth Hunter.
Glenavon Farms Award - Jaxon Wolfe.
Canteen Awards - Heath Wilkins and Jack Martin.
Under-15 Girls
The sun was shining over the Rochester home ground on Sunday, and the Under-15 girls ran out with smiles, energy and a real spark about them.
Coach Nic Duckworth kept her familiar message simple: play hard, tackle hard, do your best and have fun, and the girls delivered exactly that from the opening bounce.
Rochester applied pressure early, forcing Sandhurst White to work for every possession.
Gracie Cox was a force from the first contest, getting low, winning the ball, tackling fiercely and never hesitating to get her hands dirty.
Chelsea Braithwaite again showed her speed and agility, chasing down opponents and covering the ground with confidence.
Despite Rochester’s effort, Sandhurst held the scoreboard advantage, and by half time the Tigers were still scoreless, but their intent never wavered.
At the break, Duckworth urged the girls to lift their voice, keep leading and tackle hard, while praising them for playing a great brand of footy that wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard.
The second half saw Rochester step up another gear.
They kept running, kept chasing and kept applying pressure to a Sandhurst side that was slick, quick and skilful with the ball.
Even as Sandhurst kicked away, the Tigers refused to drop their heads.
Post‑ game, Duckworth was full of admiration for her group, noting how they improved every quarter and how brilliant their second half was.
She highlighted their resilience, their spirit, and the way they continued to fight right until the final siren.
It was a tough scoreboard, but a proud performance, the kind that shows exactly what this young Rochester side is building towards.
Rochester 0 lost to Sandhurst White 14.12 96
Best Players: Gracie Cox, Chelsea Braithwaite, Sophie Kyne, Willow Brooks, Arlia Weeks and Macey Macfarlane.
Mawsons Concrete and Quarries Award: Willow Brooks.
Darling Irrigation Award: Kaylee Saunders.
Iddles Lane Emporium Award: Mia Saunders.
Under-16 Boys
Castlemaine forfeited to Rochester due to lack of players.