Tigers hone killer instinct in Mansfield demolition

Despite Mansfield coming in without a loss for 2025, Rochester proved itself to be in a different class, as it recorded an 86-point victory.

Mansfield managed to take the first lead of the game as it nailed the opening major, but Rochester was quick to respond with five unanswered goals.

The Tigers led by 19 points at the first change, and really stamped their authority on the game in the second, allowing just a single Eagles goal while slotting five more of their own for a 10.7 (67) to 3.6 (24) half-time advantage.

A low-scoring third period gave Mansfield some hope of an unlikely turnaround as the Eagles won the period 16-14.

However, Rochester made no mistakes after the final break, closing out the match with ruthless efficiency by kicking eight majors to one in the final term for the big 20.14 (134) to 6.12 (48) win.

Mitch Cricelli got the job done in the forward line, kicking five goals to again lead Rochester, bringing him to 15 for the year, second best in the league.

Wil Hamilton was next best with three, while four players each kicked two majors.

For Mansfield, only Cody George was able to hit the target more than once, leading the Eagles with two.

The unusual GVL table has broken down a little further but continues to create some strange situations.

Despite four wins in four games, Rochester is currently only holding fifth position as five teams possess 4-0 records so far.

Equally, five sides are without a win, while Mansfield (3-1), just beaten in this game, and Seymour (1-3) are the only teams with marks on both sides of their ledger.

At least two sides are set to lose their undefeated status in the next round as Rochester takes on fellow 4-0 side Shepparton Swans at Princess Park, while Shepparton and Echuca’s grand final rematch will also add a first loss to one team’s column.