By SCOTT WATSON

EUROA went into this game knowing a loss to third-placed Rochester would spell the end of season 2024.

Coming back into the team were Will Hayes, Jake Penman, Mitchell Walters, Jack Hellier and Jack McKernan.

Coach Ryan Pendlebury and assistant Neale Poole had prepared their side well with key match-ups and positional changes made to allow the Pies the chance to show their stuff.

The first quarter was a tight affair with neither side able to gain ascendancy on the scoreboard.

Throughout the second and third quarters though, Rochester put scoreboard pressure (kicking 10 goals to Euroa’s three during this period) on the Pies as they gradually drew further and further away.

This was despite excellent defensive efforts from Nate Trotter, Dan and Tom Garside as well as that evergreen veteran Marcus Varley.

The final quarter began well with Euroa looking to throw everything at their Rochester opponents.

The side booted five goals to Rochester’s three during this period, at one stage getting within 20 points.

The victory to the Pies was not to be however with the final margin being 25 points.

Will Creevey and Mitch Walters acquitted themselves very well for their first senior finals appearance whilst Lachie Hill gave his all – as he does each week – to lift his team.

The club, post-match, re-confirmed the appointment in 2025 of Ryan Pendlebury as its senior football coach as well as assistant coaches Neale Poole and Chris Burke.

This team will once again work hard over the summer period to shore up a playing list and get the players into shape for a crack a season 2025.

Euroa 11-11-77 defeated by Rochester 16-6-102.

Best players: Nate Stewart, Lachie Hill, Silver Yousif, Will Creevey, Jett Trotter.

Goal kickers: Silver Yousif (3), Ryan Pendlebury (2), Jett Trotter (2), Nate Stewart (1), Jayden Gleeson (1), Lachie Hill (1), Jack McKernan (1).