FAST FACTS >> JOINED LEAGUE: 1913 to 1914, 1973 to PRESENT NICKNAME: TIGERS GROUND: MOON OVAL COACH: ASH WATSON PRESIDENT: JUSTIN CLEARY PREMIERSHIPS: 1914, 1992, 1999, 2008 MORRISON MEDALLISTS: M. KEENAN (1988), P. MORGAN (1994), G. CAMPBELL (2011), A. WATSON (2015) 2024 FINISH: THIRD (13-5) 2024 BEST AND FAIREST: MITCH TREWHELLA 2024 LEADING GOAL-KICKER: MITCH CRICELLI AND WIL HAMILTON (37)
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PLAYER CHANGES
INS: Cooper Hamilton (GWS), Nash Ramage (Echuca United), Drew Lloyd (Balranald), Lincoln Sieben
OUTS: Joe Atley, Nick O’Connor (retired)
Last year, the club’s milestone 150th year, was one of incredible growth for Rochester, with the Tigers turning around a 4-14 record in 2023 to post 13-5 and reach the preliminary final.
Ash Watson’s men hold the impressive distinction as the only side to defeat champion Echuca in 2024 and the AFL Victoria Community Club Senior Coach of the year will be looking to take his squad even further this year.
All the prominent faces who inspired the Tigers to new heights will make their return including runner-up Morrison medallist Mitch Trewhella and joint club-leading goal kickers Mitch Cricelli and Wil Hamilton.
It was a winning formula in 2024, and the club has opted for tweaks rather than wholesale changes to take the next step this year.
Adding to the Tigers stocks is the high-profile signing of Greater Western Sydney’s Cooper Hamilton, who will join his brothers Wil and Hugh at Moon Oval between VFL commitments with Carlton.
Port Melbourne VFL forward Drew Lloyd has made the jump from Baranald and will add to Rochy’s scoring stocks when available.
The Tigers have also added height in the form of Echuca United’s Nash Ramage. Ramage was part of the Bendigo Pioneers over-age system in 2024.
Rochester surprised many last year with their improved performances, but the league will be ready and waiting for the Tigers this year.
The question will be whether a largely similar 22 can build on the platform of 2024, and keep pace with sides who are looking to grow through big signings.
Mitch Trewhella
Photo by
BrucePoveyPhotos.com 2022
