Rochester senior coach Ash Watson is the 2024 AFL Victoria community club Senior Coach of the Year. Photo: Bruce Povey
A historic 150th year for Rochester has continued to be a memorable one with senior coach Ash Watson earning a major honour.
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Watson’s efforts with the Tigers this season have earned him selection as the 2024 AFL Victoria community club Senior Coach of the Year.
The club made the announcement at a dinner on Friday, September 13, with AFL Victoria representatives on hand to recognise Watson.
The Tigers coach will receive the award at an official event in Melbourne in October.
“I think this award probably recognises the work he's done post-flood in our community,” Rochester Football Netball Club president Justin Cleary said.
“He took the job on before the flood and the flood came, so it was a very difficult year.
“His circumstances were as bad as anybody’s with his own properties flooded, living with four kids in a caravan for a great period of that.”
Watson spent three years as an assistant at Rochester under former coach Steve Stroobants before taking over as the Tigers’ senior coach in 2023.
Watson, seen here in 2013, has a storied history with Rochester Football Netball Club.
After a difficult first year in charge Rochy delivered a resurgent season in 2024, progressing to the Goulburn Valley League’s final three before falling to Shepparton in the preliminary final.
“He’s brought the club together and he’s brought a professionalism only probably rivalled by the AFL,” Cleary said.
“He’s used a lot of the AFL techniques, modelling and processes to develop his game style and develop his players and we’re seeing that pay off right through our club.
“His integrity is outstanding. He doesn’t compromise, but he treats people fairly and he’s taken our side from third last to third this year, and that’s filtered right through our club.
“He’s just a terrific leader and we’re very indebted to everything he’s brought to the club in his short tenure.”
Watson has a long history of involvement with Rochester Football Netball Club.
His father Bruce was a 300-game veteran for the club, while Watson himself made more than 200 appearances for the Tigers, winning five club best-and-fairests and the 2015 Morrison Medal.
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