Red hot Rochester rolls Mansfield, claims seventh straight success

However, Rochester demonstrated that consistency is key in tight games. It put up another 3.3 term while smothering Mansfield on defence, snatching a 16-point lead away at the half-time siren.

The Eagles found their wings in the third term, going back and forth with a roaring Rochester side, keen to put the game away before the final quarter.

Both sides kicked two goals and three behinds in the third term, the Tigers maintaining their 16-point lead heading into the last stanza.

But Rochester proved it could show up for an entire football game in the final stretch, producing its highest-scoring quarter with four goals and a behind to finish with 12.10 (82).

The same could not be said for Mansfield, who could only squeeze out a single behind in the fourth quarter, letting the game run away when it mattered most. Its final score was 5.12 (42).

The Tigers’ 40-point victory was largely because of a strong kicking performance from Sean Williams, who bagged three, and Mitch Cricelli and James McPhee notching a pair each.

Dylan Gordon, Mitchell Trewhella, Matt Kellett, Mitchell Bright and Hamish Heine were named in the Tigers’ best for round 10, making vital contributions.

With its win over Mansfield, Rochester has won seven games on the bounce to slot into third place on the ladder, making a solid case as a potential finals dark horse as the season progresses.

The Tigers will host eighth-placed Shepparton Swans in round 11.