Rochester will take on Seymour in its season opener on Saturday. Photo: Bruce Povey.
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BrucePoveyPhotos.com 2022
Local football and netball fans are rejoicing as the Goulburn Valley League returns for round one this Saturday, April 5.
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Rochester Football Netball Club will kick off its 2025 campaign at home, welcoming Seymour to Rochester Recreation Reserve in the opening round.
For the Tigers’ football side, this year is about taking the final step after a resurgent 2024 saw it finish in third place, the only side to defeat three-time reigning champion Echuca.
Targeted recruitment has been the name of the game this off-season, with a pair of VFL players, Cooper Hamilton and Drew Lloyd, set to have limited schedules, while former Bendigo Pioneer Nash Ramage will be a useful presence around the ruck.
Rochester’s A-grade side is looking to bounce back after a 2024 marred by injury. Photo: Supplied
It will be the reliable returning core that will be asked to repeat its stellar 2024 performance, the likes of Mitch Trewhella, Ryan O’Keefe, Mitch Cricelli and Hugh and Wil Hamilton all set to be important pieces again this campaign.
On the netball side, Rochester’s 2024 never really kicked into gear after an injury cloud plagued both starting goalers for much of the year.
Bendigo Strikers stalwart Teal Hocking is out for good this year, moving on to Kangaroo Flat, but new recruits Ava Nihill and Abby Rowe will bolster the Tigers at each end of the court.
After a year where they were thrust into the spotlight, some of Rochester’s younger players will hopefully benefit from their 2024 experience to come back better in the new campaign.
Heathcote and District league supporters have another week to wait for round one action.
April 12 will see Elmore visit North Bendigo, Lockington-Bamawm United host Huntly in a night game and Colbinabbin have the bye.
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