Rochester coach Ash Watson sings the praises of his young guns

Despite a loss to Kyabram in the opening game of the season, Rochester fans have plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Here’s why.

Rochester may not have got the fairytale result it wanted but the future is bright for the Tigers.

In an emotion charged Goulburn Valley League season opener against Kyabram, a young Rochester were outclassed 12.14 (86) to 7.6 (48).

But new Tigers coach Ash Watson has every reason to be optimistic he is growing a homegrown powerhouse.

Out of the 22 players who took to the field for Rochester on Saturday, 21 had been to school in the small town in northern Victoria.

“The future is in good hands with the youth that we’ve got coming through,” Watson said.

“We had three thirds (under-18s) guys playing today and some who have just come out of the under-18s.

“To see the way they played today was fantastic.

“It’s a real local buy in this year, everyone is buying into the program which has been really good.”

Bailey Wileman in action. Picture: Rob Leeson.

Kyabram was able to pull away in the second half as their more experienced bodies overran a Rochester side who refused to give up.

Bombers young gun Anthony DePasquale lit up the contest with four majors, showing off a variety of tricks while debutant Reuben Rode showed plenty of promise on the wing.

Former Richmond forward Kayne Pettifer got in the act with two majors while Zach Norris took control in the ruck.

Despite being on the wrong end of the result, Watson said there was much more to the day’s game.

“Today was more than just the footy for us it was about the community,” he said.

“We were right in the hunt there until halftime and the boys were doing a lot of things right. But the bigger picture was all of the stuff going on around the game and getting everyone reconnected.

“To have it against Ky was great because they’ve been fantastic and good for us during the floods.

“We really respect them as a side.”

There was plenty of promise for Rochester. Picture: Rob Leeson.

Rochester would have pleased with the output from midfielder star Joe Atley who has elected to return to his home club on a full-time basis for the 2023 season.

Atley, who was Essendon’s VFL captain last year, was named in the Tigers’ best alongside Matt Kellett, Blake Evans, Hamish Hooppell and Charlie Palmer.

“He’s fantastic, a class player,” Watson said

“His AFL and VFL experience is great for us. To have him back here is fantastic.

“He shows amazing leadership and he’s been amazing for this group.”

In other games GVL games played on Saturday, Echuca got its premiership defence off to a perfect start against Tatura, who is now coached by former Essendon hard man Paul Barnard.

The Murray Bombers ran out 98-point winners with Hugh Evans booting four goals in his return game.

Elsewhere, Euroa held off a fast finishing Mansfield to claim a one-goal win with former AFL midfielder Will Hayes impressing with three goals.

It was Hayes’ first game back in the black and white.

Originally published as Rochester coach Ash Watson sings the praises of his young guns