With a loss against the Bombers having the potential to see them slip out of the top six for the first time this season, the Tigers had no other option but to win to keep its campaign afloat.
And it was a performance for the ages by midfield bull Chris Jansen that helped the Tigers clinch a memorable three-point victory.
Without running mates Shaun and Joe Atley by his side, Jansen was forced to take charge of the Rochester midfield as rain pelted down at Moon Oval.
And that was exactly what he did, leading from the front in almost every key statistical category.
Beginning around the stoppages, Jansen thrived in his battle with Kyabram guns Zac Keogh and Kaine Herbert, winning a remarkable 13 clearances to help send his team forward.
Not afraid to get his hands dirty, of the 28 possessions he collected on the day, 15 were contested, as he won a game-high 12 ground ball gets.
Jansen also ensured Kyabram’s midfielders would have no easy touches, laying a massive nine tackles to showcase his defensive capabilities.
But it wasn’t just around the contest where Jansen thrived.
Getting dangerous on the spread, he took five marks and used the ball at an impressive 75 per cent, making the Bombers pay whenever he was in space.
At a glance
Chris Jansen vs Kyabram, round 11
Disposals: 28
Contested possessions: 15
Clearances: 13
Ground ball gets: 12
Tackles: 10
Marks: 5
Score assists: 5
Goals: 2
He then went forward and had a major impact with two critical goals and a match-high five score assists in a complete performance.
For Jansen and his Tigers teammates the challenges just keep coming, as they travel to Mooroopna for a season-defining clash with the Cats.
And while it is unfair to expect a repeat of these extraordinary numbers, coach Steven Stroobants will understand that the play of Jansen in the guts will go a long way to coming away with the coveted four points.
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