Tigers maul Lions in round one statement

After a solid start which saw the Tigers lead with an accurate three straight goals to Seymour’s 2.2 at quarter-time, Ash Watson’s troops turned the dial to 11 in the second term.

Seven individual goal scorers slotted majors for the home side as it put the foot down, putting 7.5 on the board for the quarter which included a run of five unanswered to start the term, while restricting the Lions to 1.3 to open up a 42-point margin at the half.

The 2024 preliminary finalist didn’t let up in the second half, either, with its third term arguably as impressive as its second, keeping the Lions goalless while adding another four to blow the contest wide open and push the deficit beyond 10 goals with a quarter to play.

A complete performance first up was capped in the final term, as the Tigers once again outscored the visitors, four goals to two, as Rochester announced itself as contenders to claim Echuca’s title in 2025.

It was the top liners that did it once again for Rochy, too, with Mitch Trewhella (two goals) — tipped by at least one MMG journalist as a Morrison Medal fancy — named best-on-ground as he looks to elevate his game to another level in his second season in the black and yellow, having claimed the club’s best-and-fairest in 2024.

Big man Dylan Gordon impressed also to be named among the best, as did veteran back Hamish Hooppell, while skipper Wil Hamilton (one goal) and Bailey Boyack rounded out the most influential.

Hugh Hamilton had a day out up forward booting four goals, well supported by Tobie Woodfine, who left a mark on his senior debut, booting three goals in a display that should excite the Rochester faithful.

Mitch Cricelli joined Trewhella in booting two majors, while recruits Nash Ramage and Lincoln Sieben, who joined from Echuca United in the Murray league and VAFA club Parkside, respectively, slotted a goal each alongside Adam McPhee, Nate Rasmussen and Dillon and Sean Williams.

For Seymour, there were a number of recruits added in the off-season and it will be hoping that with time comes a greater cohesiveness, as it looks to rediscover the form that took it to a 16-2 regular season record in 2023.

There are positives to be taken out of the clash still, with Lucas Cavigan stepping up from the under-18s to slot a major and be named in the best on his senior debut, while recruits Tom Jeffrey and Lachlan Giles had a goal each, and Lachlan Beattie – brother of reigning club best-and-fairest Nathan – also among the best.

The Lions will look to bounce back this week as they host Shepparton Swans in their first home game of the season at Kings Park, while Rochester will look to keep the momentum moving forward when it takes on Mooroopna at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve.