ROCHESTER TIGERS
Rochester has developed its squad on every line, welcoming a former AFL player, club best-and-fairest and a league rising star to the Tigers den as it looks to improve on its fifth-placed finish last season.
North Melbourne defender Shaun Atley will make his Rochester homecoming, joining brothers Joe and Jacob at Moon Oval, while the midfield has also been bolstered by the return of Rochester’s 2018 club best-andfairest Doug Wren after a stint at Goulburn Valley League rival Shepparton United.
Rochester’s forward line will keep opposition defenders on their toes, with Steven Stroobants set to welcome the company of top-five Picola District Football League goalkicker Isaac Johnson down forward.
Johnson booted 38 goals for Mathoura in 2021 and the pairing of the two live-wire forwards will be exciting to watch for the Tigers faithful.
Heathcote District Football League’s Rising star Mitch Cricelli has also crossed over from Elmore to don the Tigers’ sash.
After yet another extended pre-season, Stroobants’ team has been in training since early November, and will come into the season as one of the fittest clubs in the league.
He will be hoping the side can get off to a faster start than its 2021 campaign, with expectations of arresting the inconsistencies of last year.
“All the boys are excited to get back into it,” Stroobants said.
“It’s a long season when you think about it; we were still training when the season got called off.
“We didn’t get off to a great start losing our first four games, but we started to string some good footy together, and we’ll look to improve on that.”
The only blemish for Rochester is the loss of best-and-fairest Logan Austin and Dillon Williams.
“We’re happy with how we’ve recruited and with our young guys coming through,” Stroobants said.
“We expect to be thereabouts again and improve on what we showed last year.”
Another positive for Rochester is the return of its thirds after a hiatus last season, adding another element to the depth of the Tigers.
Rochester’s round one hit-out against minor premier — and arch-rival — Echuca will clue the league into the prospects of the Tigers, but they now look primed to make a splash come finals time.
We’re happy with how we’ve recruited and with our young guys coming through. – STEVEN STROOBANTS, COACH