Ex-Carlton and North Melbourne forward Jarrad Waite was the standout performer for the Saints in the nail-biting 14.4 (88) to 12.14 (86) win thanks to his dominant eight-goal outing.
Waite made his presence felt in the Saints’ forward line as his height and strength proved too much for Rochester’s defence and his accuracy in front of goal proved vital as he kicked the goal to surge the Saints back in front late in the fourth term.
The powerful forward, who played 244 games at the elite level, showcased why he was such a star talent for the Blues and Kangaroos in Benalla’s Goulburn Valley League round-eight triumph.
Waite was everywhere and proved “unstoppable” according to Benalla football manager Terry Blackburn.
“It was an exciting win; a real hard-fought come-from-behind win,” Blackburn said.
“Jarrad was unstoppable and he was able to do just about everything.
“He’s such a genuine bloke, it’s never about him he’s all about educating the younger guys and helping them become better players.”
Flying high: Benalla’s Blake Uebergang marks the ball over his opponent. Photos: Hamish Donaldson
Photo by
Hamish Donaldson
If you had no context of where Benalla and Rochester were sitting on the ladder coming into this game, you would think these teams were playing in a final — due to the level of intensity of the contest.
Both teams took to the field with just one previous win this season and knew the importance a good result could have in getting their season back on track.
The game got off to a quick start as Rochester kicked two goals quickly.
The away side’s third goal came moments later when Sean Williams slotted away after a period where every ground ball seemed to be met with a stoppage in play.
Stretching out: Saints player Colby Mathieson looks to get away from Bailey Wileman.
Photo by
Hamish Donaldson
A lack of discipline from Rochester saw Benalla score its first goal after a 50-metre penalty.
Soon after the flood gates opened the goals started flowing.
Rochester’s James McPhee kicked the next major followed by back-to-back goals from Saints’ Tom O’Brien.
The vice-captain’s second goal was all his own making as he landed a crunching tackle on Joe Atley five metres out from the posts.
In space: Benalla’s David Mennen looks to get the ball up field.
Rochester led at the first break, but Benalla hit the front within the first five minutes of the second quarter as Waite added another to his tally.
Inbound: Saint Jakob Decker closes in on his opponent.
Photo by
Hamish Donaldson
A lapse in discipline from the Saints saw Rochester take the lead again after the visitors were essentially handed a 12-point goal when a free kick was called for dissent in the goal square.
Around the ball: Both sides committed a large number of bodies around the ball at every breakdown, leading to a tough-fought match.
The Saints narrowly won the third quarter to bring the scores back to 11 points and set up a barn-burner of a finish.
Rochester’s poor accuracy in front of goal as it kicked one goal and seven behinds left the door open for Benalla.
By taking chances when they presented themselves, Benalla kicked four goals, two behinds to win the match with a two-point margin.
The Saints are looking to build off the back of this result as they take on Shepparton away from home next week in a match-up that looks even on paper.