Rochester’s two decade wait for A-grade finals continued in 2024, as luck just wasn’t on the Tigers side.
A 2-0 start gave way to seven straight losses, effectively ending the sides finals hopes by the season’s halfway point.
Returning co-coaches Rachel Whipp and Linda Rasmussen will be hoping for a smoother campaign this time around after the squad’s depth was put to the test in 2024 through injury.
Star Victorian Netball League player Teal Hocking, and star goaling recruit Tia Webb spent much of the year on the sidelines, denting what was a promising start to the year.
Once the pair returned, the Tigers put together a more promising 4-5 record over the back half of the year.
The Tigers will have to do without Hocking again this season as she moves on to Kangaroo Flat, but the side have added some talent to sure up the A-grade squad.
Former joint A-grade best-and-fairest at Mount Pleasant, Ava Nihill has linked up with Rochester and should provide support to Webb in the goal ring.
Abby Rowe, coming off back-to-back B-grade flags with Wentworth, will add versatility to the Tigers’ defensive rotations.
The benefit of being without two prominent players for much of the season is the opportunity for younger players to earn experience in the senior lineup, and Rochy can will hope that time on court pays off this year.
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