Rochester Football Club

The Rochester Football Club was formed in 1874 at Tidy's Rest Down Hotel, Rochester, with a committee elected and players resolved to practice with the intention of beating Echuca.{{cite web |title=1874 – Rochester Football Club |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/115185426# |work=Riverine Herald|access-date=16 February 2021 |pages=2 |date=3 June 1874}}

On 1 June 1877 at Oliver's Cafe the Victorian Football Association (VFA) was formed, with Rochester one of the foundation clubs.{{cite web |author1=R H Beckett |title=1934 - Football - as she was Played |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/243257621# |publisher=The Herald |access-date=19 March 2021 |pages=30 |date=14 April 1934}}

Between 1874 and 1889 (apart from 1877 in the VFA), there appears to be no evidence that Rochester played in any formal football competitions, but did play some friendly matches against local teams in most years, with regular matches against Echuca.

Rochester played in the Echuca District Football Association against Echuca, Echuca East and Cummeragunja in 1890.{{cite web |title=1890 – Football |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/114679413# |work=The Riverine Herald|access-date=17 February 2021 |pages=2 |date=28 June 1890}}

From 1891 to 1893, Rochester played in the Northern District Football Association and in 1892, Rochester won the Aitken Football Premiership Trophy by finishing on top of the ladder, but were disqualified for playing a player without a permit, after a protest from Echuca.{{cite web |title=1892 - Two Wrongs |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227693899 |publisher=Sportsman (Melbourne) |access-date=19 February 2021 |pages=5 |date=13 September 1892}} A grand final match was then arranged between Rochester and Echuca, but Rochester refused to attend and the premiership was awarded to Echuca.{{cite web |title=1892 - That Football Matter |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227691415# |publisher=Sportsman (Melbourne) |access-date=19 February 2021 |pages=4 |date=20 September 1892}}

In 1893, Rochester were runners up to Echuca East for the Lyon & Sons Trophy.{{cite web |title=1893 - Rochester |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/88971202 |publisher=Bendigo Advertiser |access-date=11 April 2021 |pages=3 |date=25 August 1893}}

The Rochester Juniors were an official club in 1887 and played against Albion(Sandhurst FC Juniors).{{cite web |title=1887 - A Football Match |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/253364232 |publisher=The Elmore Standard (Vic) |access-date=20 February 2021 |pages=2 |date=24 January 1887}}

In 1903, Rochester had two teams that played in the Northern Districts Football Association - Rochester Hopetouns and Rochester Federals.{{cite web |title=1903 - Rochester Football |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/115046586 |publisher=The Riverine Herald (Echuca, Vic) |access-date=23 March 2021 |pages=2 |date=30 April 1903}}{{cite web |title=1903 - Football: Elmore v Rochester Federals |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/253492346 |publisher=The Elmore Standard (Vic) |access-date=22 March 2021 |pages=2 |date=6 June 1903}}

In 1904, Rochester FC did not arrange their AGM until May and by that time there was already two other football club's formed in Rochester - Rochester Imperials and Rochester Federals FC. So the Rochester FC decided to go into recess for the 1904 season. Then in 1905, both Imperials and Federals merged to form one senior club and entered the Campaspe District Football Association.{{cite web |title=1905 - Football at Rochester |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227771915 |publisher=The Bendigo Independent |access-date=22 February 2021 |pages=3 |date=8 May 1905}}{{cite web |title=1905 - Football |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/89733172 |publisher=Bendigo Advertiser (Vic) |access-date=23 March 2021 |pages=8 |date=17 April 1905}}

Rochester FC guernsey's colours in 1906 were blue with a red sash {{cite web |title=1906 - Football Clours |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/114852684 |publisher=The Riverine Herald (Echuca, Vic) |access-date=22 February 2021 |pages=2 |date=3 April 1906}} and played in the Northern District Football Association.{{cite web |title=1906 - Northern District Football |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/226942491 |publisher=The Bendigo Independent (Vic) |access-date=15 April 2021 |pages=3 |date=28 March 1906}} In 1906 Rochester's 'new football oval area will measure about 2 3/4 acres, being 7

chains long, 5 broad and 19 in circumference. Outside this, about half a chain. A stout wire rope is to be placed to keen barrackers in their places'.{{cite web |title=1906 - On the Ball |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/262591909 |publisher=The Elmore Standard |access-date=15 April 2021 |pages=3 |date=19 May 1906}}

In 1910, Rochester entered two teams, Ramblers and Rovers, into the Football Association,{{cite web |title=1910 - Rochester |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227612473 |publisher=The Bendigo Independent |access-date=22 February 2021 |pages=8 |date=26 May 1910}} with the Rovers winning the premiership.{{cite web |title=1910 - Country News: Rochester |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227152987 |publisher=The Bendigo Independent |access-date=22 February 2021 |pages=3 |date=20 December 1910}}

Rochester Rovers 3.6 - 24 lost the 1911 Rochester Football Association grand final to Digorra 4.3 - 27.{{cite web |title=Country Football |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/196224963 |publisher=The Age |access-date=22 February 2021 |pages=14 |date=28 August 1914}}

In 1911, the Rochester DFA played the Bendigo Football League in a match at the Upper Reserve (Queen Elizabeth Oval), with Bendigo: 2.12 - 24 defeating Rochester: 1.6 - 12.{{cite web |title=1911 - Football |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/226820126 |publisher=The Bendigo Independent (Vic) |access-date=15 April 2021 |pages=2 |date=10 August 1911}}

In 1912, the Rochester DFA played the Bendigo Football League in a match at the Upper Reserve (Queen Elizabeth Oval), with the match resulting in a draw, with the scores 6.6 - 42 each.{{cite web |title=1912 - Festival at Bendigo |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/196249518 |publisher=The Age |access-date=15 April 2021 |pages=9 |date=4 July 1912}}

More than 20 Rochester players joined the war effort in 1915, and some never came home. William Campbell, Cyril Downe, William Edwards, Victor Lamb, Norman Rae, Vincent & Donald McInnes, Patrick Morrissey, Sam Sherlock

all died in World War One.{{cite web |author1=Mark Gullick |title=Rochester FNC - History |url=https://rochesterfnc.teamapp.com/articles/15337-history-of-the-rfnc?_detail=v1 |publisher=Rochester FNC |access-date=28 April 2021}}

In 1920, Bamawm: 4.7 - 31 defeated Rochester Imperials: 2.6 - 18 to win the Rochester & District Football Association.

In 1922, Rochester defeated Bamawn in the final,{{cite web |title=1922 - Rochester & DFA |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/205049673 |publisher=The Age |access-date=18 April 2021 |pages=6 |date=2 October 1922}} but Bamawn as minor premiers challenged Rochester to a grand final, in which Rochester won.{{cite web |title=1922 - Rochester and District League |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/176523275 |publisher=The Advocate |access-date=18 April 2021 |pages=29 |date=12 October 1922}}

From 1933 to 1935, there was a Rochester Rovers FC that played in the Echuca District Football League.{{cite web |title=1934 - Opening games at Echuca |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/223838118 |publisher=Weekly Times |access-date=3 May 2021 |pages=61 |date=28 April 1934}}

A Rochester Football Association was formed in 1938 from the following clubs - Methodists, Naneella, Presbyterians, Rochester and St. Joseph's.{{cite web |title=1938 - Rochester Football Association |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/219769648 |publisher=Goulburn Valley Stock and Property Journal (Vic) |access-date=19 February 2021 |pages=4 |date=23 March 1938}}

;1913 & 1914 and 1973 to 2021

Rochester entered the Goulburn Valley FL for the 1913 season; they were eventually runner-up to Shepparton. The following year, they defeated Echuca{{cite web |title=1914 - Rochester Premiers |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/90526876 |publisher=Bendigo Advertiser (Vic) |access-date=21 February 2021 |pages=3 |date= 28 August 1914 }} in the Grand Final.{{cite web |title=1914 - Rochester |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227636669 |publisher=The Bendigo Independent (Vic) |access-date=21 February 2021 |pages=8 |date=8 December 1914}} With the outbreak of World War I, the Goulburn Valley FL did not reform in 1915, so Rochester entered the Bendigo FL.

;1990's

The 1990s was a successful period, culminating in six senior grand final berths.

Both seniors and reserves made the grand final in 1990, but both teams lost.

The seniors made the grand final in 1992, defeating Tatura by two points in wet conditions.

They made the grand final again in 1993, but was defeated by Shepparton in controversial circumstances by a kick after the siren.

Rochester participated in a night series Centenary celebration of the GVFL. Rochester won the preliminary games and then defeated Tatura in the final. Anthony McPhee kicked a goal from 40m near the siren to put Rochester 5 points ahead.

In 2008 they beat Seymour for the premiership cup denying Seymour the chance of winning 4 cups in a row.

;1915, 1923 to 1941, 1946 to 1971

When the Goulburn Valley Football League went into recess in 1915, Rochester joined the Bendigo Football League. In April 1915, Rochester FC ordered 25 black colored guernseys, with a red band, prior to joining the Bendigo Football League.{{cite web |title=1915 - Rochester FC |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/119584798 |publisher=Rochester Express (Vic) |access-date=18 May 2021 |pages=5 |date=16 April 1915}} In July 1915, Rochester withdrew from the Bendigo Football League (BFL) due to the pressure of fielding a team each week, due to many young players encouraged to and enlisting in the Australian Army.{{cite web |title=1915 - Rochester Football Club |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/119586354 |publisher=Rochester Express |access-date=19 February 2021 |pages=3 |date=15 July 1915}}

After four years in the Rochester District Football Association, playing against Bamawan, Nanneella, Rochester's two teams, Imperials and Rovers merged and Rochester FC returned to the BFL in 1923.{{cite web |title=1923 - Rochester|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/115173557# |publisher=The Riverine Herald |access-date=1 March 2021 |pages=2 |date=18 January 1923}} In 1924, Rochester's James Doyle finished second in the goal kicking tally with 61 goals.{{cite web |title=1924 - Bendigo League |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/185069225 |publisher=Sporting Globe (Melbourne, Vic) |access-date=5 March 2021 |pages=14 |date=27 August 1924}}{{cite web |title=1925 - Rochester |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2115120 |publisher=The Argus |access-date=21 March 2021 |pages=6 |date=8 May 1925}}

In 1923 Rochester won the Minor Premiership in the Bendigo FL, but lost the grand final to Sandhurst,{{cite web |title=1923 - Sandhurst win |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/184813054 |publisher=Sporting Globe (Melbourne, Vic |access-date=6 April 2021 |pages=8 |date=10 October 1923}} then in 1924, Eaglehawk defeated Rochester in the grand final.

In 1926, Rochester finished sixth on the ladder and collected the wooden spoon, with four wins for the season.{{cite web |title=1926 - Country Finals and Semi-Finals Produce keen Contests |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/223337405 |publisher=Weekly Times |access-date=29 April 2021 |pages=103 |date=11 September 1926}}

Rochester did not win a game during the 1928 BFL season.{{cite web |title=1928 - Country Football |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/224732964 |publisher=Weekly Times |access-date=30 April 2021 |pages=78 |date=25 August 1928}}{{cite web |title=1928 - Country Football |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/244076542 |publisher=The Herald |access-date=30 April 2021 |pages=3 |date=1 September 1928}}

Former South Melbourne player, Bill Berryman was appointed as captain-coach in 1929, at £10 per week {{cite web |title=1929 - Bendigo Football |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/183981962 |publisher=Sporting Globe (Melbourne, Vic) |access-date=30 April 2021 |pages=6 |date=13 April 1929}} and recorded their first win for the year against Echuca on Saturday, 1 June 1929, recording only two wins for the season.{{cite web |title=1929 - Sandhurst Supreme at Bendigo |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/223185323 |publisher=The Weekly Times |access-date=30 April 2021 |pages=73 |date=8 June 1929}}

Former player, W Slattery coached Rochester in 1931.{{cite web |title=1931 - Local Coaches |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/183017994 |publisher=Sporting Globe (Melbourne, Vic) |access-date=23 March 2021 |pages=3 |date=21 March 1931}}

In 1933, Rochester's Ted Hooper played his 98th consecutive game and was presented with an eight-day clock!{{cite web |title=1933 - Rochester |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/205103464 |publisher=The Age |access-date=2 May 2021 |pages=13 |date=29 September 1933}} In early 1934, 24 year old, Ted Hooper played his 100th consecutive game for Rochester, capping it off with three goals.{{cite web |title=1934 - 100th Successive Game |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/184283940 |publisher=Sporting Globe |access-date=3 May 2021 |pages=9 |date=23 May 1934}}

George Ogilvie coached Echuca from 1930 to 1933, then played with Rochester in 1934, then took over as captain-coach from 1935 to 1937.

In 1940, Rochester commenced playing in the BFL, but in June, the four rural clubs - Echuca East, Kyneton, Maryborough and Rochester were forced out of the competition, due to the expense involved in playing.{{cite web |title=1940 - Football & the War |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/225753803# |publisher=Weekly Times |access-date=5 May 2021 |pages=46 |date=22 June 1940}} The four Bendigo based teams remained in the competition.{{cite web |title=1940 - Young Bendigo League players impress |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/225758371 |publisher=Weekly Times |access-date=6 May 2021 |pages=50 |date=8 June 1940}}

In late 1956, former Melbourne player, Noel McMahen was appointed as captain-coach for six years at £1,000.00 per season.{{cite web |title=1956 - Demon star for country |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71764245 |publisher=The Argus |access-date=23 February 2021 |pages=18 |date=6 November 1956}}

Noel McMahen's era as coach was very successful for the Rochester Demons.

In 1957, Rochester made the finals in his first season coaching the club.

In the 1958 Grand Final, Rochester were Premiers defeating Castlemaine, winning their first Premiership in the Bendigo Football League.

In 1959, Rochester were Premiers defeating Kyneton.

In the 1960 Grand Final, Rochester were defeated by Kyneton.

In the 1961 Grand Final, Rochester were defeated by Kyneton.

Noel returned to the city in 1962 to coach South Melbourne for 3 years, however brought South Melbourne to Rochester for a practice preseason game. Ironically, it was this team's only loss for the year!

The 1962 Rochester Demons were Premiers & Champions, defeating Golden Square in the Grand Final.

In 1963, Rochester were Premiers defeating Kyneton, their last Premiership in the Bendigo FL.

In the 1964 Grand Final, Rochester were defeated by Golden Square.

In the 1965 Grand Final, Rochester were defeated by Golden Square.

By 1971, Rochester was being woo-ed by the Goulburn Valley FL, as it was keen to expand, but the Bendigo FL refused a clearance. In 1971, Rochester made the first semi-final played against Echuca at the Queen Elizabeth Oval in the Heart of Bendigo but Rochester wanted the game at their home ground, but the BFL board disagreed, the game went ahead at the QEO and Rochester lost the game to Echuca. The club went into recess for the 1972 season. It commenced with the GVFL in 1973, changing from its red and black colours to black and yellow.

• 1877 - Victorian Football Association
• 1890 - Echuca District Football Association
• 1891 - Northern District Football Association / Sternberg's Football Trophy{{cite web |title=1891 - Country Football |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/190627644 |publisher=The Age |access-date=21 March 2021 |pages=6 |date=18 June 1891}}
• 1892 - Northern District Football Association / Aitken Football Trophy
• 1893 - Northern District Football Association / Lyon & Son's Football Trophy
• 1894 - Northern District Football Association {{cite web |title=1894 - Northern District Football | url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/178729385|publisher=The Bendigo Independent (Vic) |access-date=22 February 2021 |pages=1 |date=21 June 1894}}
• 1894 to 1900 - No evidence that Rochester played in any official competitions, but did play some friendly matches against local teams in most years.
• 1900 & 1901 - Northern District Football Association {{cite web| title=1901 - Country News |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/193627568 |publisher=The Bendigo Independent |access-date=22 February 2021 |pages=3 |date=2 May 1901}} / McMaster's (Hotel){{cite web |title=McMaster's Hotel, Rochester |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/46046969@N03/46950806135/ |website=Flickr |date=May 2019 |access-date=22 February 2021}} Football Trophy
• 1902 & 1903 - Northern District Football Association {{cite web |title=1902 - Rochester |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227551888 |publisher=The Bendigo Independent |access-date=23 February 2021 |pages=3 |date=21 May 1921}}{{cite web |title=1903 - Football |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/197217823 |publisher=The Age |access-date=21 February 2021 |pages=8 |date=26 August 1903}}
• 1904 - Club in recess.{{cite web |title=1904 - Rochester |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/115059122 |publisher=The Riverine Herald (Echuca, Vic) |access-date=22 February 2021 |pages=2 |date=6 May 1904}} Rochester Federals & Rochester Imperials played in the Campaspe District Football Association in 1904.{{cite web |title=1904 - Football: Campaspe District Association |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/115060936 |publisher=The Riverine Herald (Echuca, Vic) |access-date=14 April 2021 |pages=2 |date=22 July 1904}}
• 1905 - Campaspe District Football Association
• 1906 - Northern District Football Association{{cite web |title=1906 - Rochester Football Club |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/226936623 |publisher=The Bendigo Independent (Vic) |access-date=22 February 2021 |pages=3 |date=2 April 1906}}
• 1907 - Campaspe District Football Association - Holmes Trophy{{cite web |title=1907 - Country Football |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/226713166 |publisher=The Bendigo Independent |access-date=22 February 2021 |pages=3 |date=25 June 1907}}
• 1908 - Echuca District Football Association
• 1909 - Campaspe Valley District Football Association
• 1910 & 1911 - Rochester District Football Association{{cite web |title=1911 - Rochester Association |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227805942 |publisher=The Bendigo Independent (Vic) |access-date=15 April 2021 |pages=5 |date=22 May 1911}}
• 1912 - No formal football competition.{{cite web |title=1912 - Football |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/226949858 |publisher=The Bendigo Independent (Vic) |access-date=15 April 2021 |pages=8 |date=4 July 1912}} Rochester did play several matches against other local towns.
• 1913 & 1914 - Goulburn Valley Football League
• 1915 - Bendigo Football League
• 1916 to 1918 - Club in recess due to World War One
• 1919 to 1922 - Rochester District Football Association
• 1923 to 1941 - Bendigo Football League{{cite web |title=1923 - Admitting Rochester FC |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/184805225 |publisher=The Sporting Globe |access-date=1 March 2021 |pages=6 |date=10 March 1923}}
• 1942 & 1943 - Club in recess due to World War Two
• 1944 & 1945 - Campaspe Valley Wartime Football League
• 1946 to 1971 - Bendigo Football League
• 1972 - Club in recess
• 1973 to 2019 - Goulburn Valley Football League
• 2020 - Club in recess. COVID-19
• 2021 - Goulburn Valley Football League

;Seniors {{cite web|last1=Devaney|first1=John|title=Australian Football – Rochester Football Club – Stats|url=http://australianfootball.com/clubs/stats/Rochester/1407/|website=australianfootball.com|accessdate=8 December 2016}}

;Reserves

• Bendigo Football League - 1953, 1958
• Goulburn Valley Football League - Nil

;Thirds / Under 18's

• Goulburn Valley Football League - 1996

;Seniors

• Bendigo Football League:

Fred Wood Medal

• 1930 – Len Major {{cite web |title=Bendigo - Best & Fairest |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4192188# |publisher=The Argus |access-date=3 March 2021 |pages=13 |date=15 September 1930}} Major played with the Carlton Football Club Reserves in 1931.{{cite web |title=1931 - Carlton keeps 32 players |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4400967 |publisher=The Argus |access-date=23 March 2021 |pages=12 |date=28 April 1931}}{{cite web |title=1931 - Carlton FC Reserves |url=https://www.blueseum.org/1931+Reserves |website=Blueseum.org |access-date=23 March 2021}}
• 1931 – Alf "Digger" Firmer {{cite web |title=1931 - Bendigo League: Best & Fairest |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/204343749 |publisher=The Age |access-date=3 March 2021 |pages=6 |date=18 September 1931}}{{cite web |title=1956 - Rochester had a bad day, but a bright night! |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71882708# |publisher=The Argus |access-date=7 May 2021 |pages=6 |date=16 May 1955}}
• 1934 – Dave Fraser {{cite web |title=1934 - In the Country |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/205878962# |publisher=The Age |access-date=3 March 2021 |pages=6 |date=8 October 1934}}
• 1935 – Ern "Dooley" Major {{cite web |title=1935 - Bendigo League's best player |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/203843572 |publisher=The Age |access-date=3 March 2021 |pages=9 |date=13 September 1935}}{{cite web |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/217908858 |title=1935 - District Personals |publisher=Goulburn Valley Stock and Property Journal (Vic) |access-date=3 May 2021 |pages=6 |date=18 September 1935}}

T R Davies Medal

• 1947 – Herb Zegelin {{cite web |title=Herb Zegelin |url=http://demonwiki.org/Herb+Zegelin |website=Demonwiki |access-date=25 February 2021}}
• 1950 – Herb Zegelin {{cite web |title=1950 - Best & Fairest |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/205375633 |publisher=The Age |access-date=26 February 2021 |pages=17 |date=15 September 1950}}{{cite web |title=Former footy great remembered |url=https://www.pressreader.com/australia/the-riverine-herald/20140108/281788511904012 |website=Riverine Herald |date=8 January 2014}}

Jack Michelsen Medal

• 1956 – Frank Fitzpatrick
• 1957 – Frank Fitzpatrick
• 1961 – Frank Maxwell
• 1962 – Ray Willett{{cite web |title=Ray Willett |url=https://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-6165-0-0-0&assoc=6165&sID=357176 |website=Goulburn Valley Football Netball League |publisher=Goulburn Valley Football Netball League |access-date=25 February 2021 |date=2014}}
• 1970 – Kevin Shinners

• Goulburn Valley Football League:

Morrison Medal{{cite web|title=Morrison Medal|url=http://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-6165-0-0-0&sID=370588|website=Goulburn Valley Football League – SportsTG|accessdate=8 December 2016}}

• 1988 – Mick Keenan
• 1994 – Phillip "Toot" Morgan
• 2011 – Guy Campbell
• 2015 – Ashley Watson

;Reserves

• Bendigo Football League
• 1967 - Jim Sutton
• 1968 - John Hepworth
• Goulburn Valley Football League: Abikhair Medal
• 1987 - F Lee
• 2004 - N Whipp
• 2012 - Brodie Montague

;Thirds / Under 18

• Bendigo Football League
• 1960 - Barry Rainbird
• Goulburn Valley Football Netball League: Pattison Medal
• 1976 - B Pearson
• 1992 - B Speers
• 2004 - J Spizzica
• 2009 - Scott Oakley

Senior Football

• 410 - Anthony "Tank" McPhee (a GVFNL record){{cite web |title=Goulburn Valley FNL - Hall of Fame |url=https://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-6165-0-0-0&assoc=6165&sID=357179 |website=GVFNL |access-date=14 May 2021 |date=1 October 2014}}
• 302 - Bruce Watson{{cite web |title=GVFNL - Hall of Fame|url=https://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-6165-0-0-0&assoc=6165&sID=414556 |website=Goulburn Valley FNC |publisher=GVFNL |access-date=11 May 2021 |date=1 September 2019}}
• 300+ - Simon McCarty

The following footballers played for Rochester FC prior to making their VFL / AFL debut & / or drafted to an AFL club.

{{div col|colwidth=33em}}

• 1912 - Paddy Mills - Carlton. Mills returned to the VFL & played with Carlton on Saturdays & with Rochester on Wednesdays in 1912 & 13.
• 1914 - Harold Bennett - South Melbourne
• 1920 - Kevin Duffy - St. Kilda
• 1922 - Rowley Watt - Essendon
• 1924 - Gerry Beare - Richmond
• 1925 - Basil McCormack - Richmond
• 1927 - Bruce Curruthers - Essendon
• 1929 - Bill Lever - Carlton
• 1930 - Ron Martin - South Melbourne
• 1932 - Leslie Watt - Collingwood
• 1937 - Hugh Murnane - Melbourne
• 1938 - Chris Lamborn - North Melbourne
• 1938 - Peter Paterson - Essendon
• 1939 - Charlie Van Der Bist - Hawthorn
• 1940 - Kevin Barrett - Collingwood
• 1940 - Adrian Dullard - Melbourne
• 1944 - Des Nisbet - St. Kilda
• 1945 - Bruce Edge - Melbourne
• 1952 - Allen Rodgers - Footscray
• 1957 - Geoff Dupuy - Hawthorn
• 1958 - Frank Fitzpatrick - Geelong
• 1962 - Ken Colvin - South Melbourne
• 1965 - John Williams - Essendon
• 1983 - David Williams - Melbourne
• 1988 - Simon McCarty - North Melbourne. 1988 - VFL Draft, No. 46
• 1990 - Glyn Tomlinson - Geelong. 1990 - AFL Draft, No. 43
• 1992 - Matthew Febey - Melbourne
• 2017 - Joe Atley - Port Adelaide

{{div col end}}

The following footballers played VFL / AFL football prior to making their debut with the Rochester FC. The year indicates their debut season at Rochester.

{{div col|colwidth=33em}}

• 1911 - Paddy Mills - Melbourne
• 1924 - Clyde Smith - Collingwood
• 1927 - Rex De Garis - St. Kilda
• 1929 - Bill Berryman - South Melbourne
• 1930 - Danny Warr - St. Kilda
• 1934 - George Ogilvie Junior - Richmond {{cite web |author1=Richard Jones |title=Jones Files: George Ogilvie, ex-Echuca and Rochester, a true Bendigo league great |url=https://www.footyalmanac.com.au/jones-files-george-ogilvie-ex-echuca-and-rochester-a-true-bendigo-league-great/ |publisher=The Footy Almanac |access-date=28 April 2021 |date=17 July 2009}}
• 1949 - Harry Hickey - Footscray {{cite web |author1=Roger Spuall |title=Harry Hickey: Another forgotten champion |url=https://www.boylesfootballphotos.net.au/article78-Peter-Pianto-the-Eaglehawk-Express#HARRY_HICKEY_ANOTHER_FORGOTTEN_CHAMPION |website=Boyles Football Photos |access-date=24 February 2021 |date=27 March 2016}}
• 1953 - Noel Jarvis - Fitzroy
• 1955 - Roy Files - North Melbourne
• 1955 - Jim Wilson - Melbourne
• 1957 - Noel McMahen - Melbourne {{cite web |author1=Mark Gullick |title=Noel McMahen: City superstar, country legend |url=https://www.footyalmanac.com.au/6461/ |website=The Footy Almanac |access-date=21 February 2021 |date=30 November 2009}}
• 1958 - Les Pridham - Essendon
• 1959 - Geoff Barber - Essendon
• 1961 - Con O'Toole - Melbourne
• 1962 - Ray Willett - Collingwood {{cite web |title=Ray Willett - GVFNL - Hall of Fame |url=https://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-6165-0-0-0&assoc=6165&sID=357176 |website=Goulburn Valley FNL |access-date=26 February 2021 |date=2014}}
• 1964 - Trevor Randall - Hawthorn
• 1968 - Don Keyter - South Melbourne{{cite web |author1=Jack Luhrs |title=Don Keyter |url=https://www.swansonscreen.com/don-keyter |publisher=Swans on Screen |access-date=29 April 2021 |date=14 January 1987}}
• 1970 - Kevin Shinners - Richmond
• 1979 - Geoff Rosenow - Geelong
• 1992 - Jamie Duursma - Melbourne

{{div col end}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://twitter.com/rochesterfnc/ Rochester FNC Twitter page]
• [https://www.facebook.com/Rochester-Football-Netball-Club-135409303140853/ Rochester FNC Facebook page]
• [http://websites.sportstg.com/club_info.cgi?c=1-6165-80583-337599-21790814&sID=90716 Rochester FNC SportsTG site]
• [https://rochesterfnc.teamapp.com/?_webpage=v1/ Rochester FNC Team App]
• [https://websites.sportstg.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=0-6165-0-0-0&sID=381530/ Goulburn Valley Football Netball League]
• [https://www.bendigofnl.com.au/ Bendigo Football Netball League]
• [http://www.boylesfootballphotos.net.au/Rochester/ 1908 - Campaspe Valley Football Association Premiers: Rochester Juniors FC team photo]
• [https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/125660481/ 1914 - Goulburn Valley Football League Premiers: Rochester FC team photo]
• [https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/90777989/ 1915 - Football photos at Rochester]
• [https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/223996486/23878134/ 1930 - Rochester FC & Sandhurst FC team photos]
• [https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/223303574/23862285/ 1932 - Eaglehawk FC & Rochester FC team photos]
• [https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/224951920/ 1949 - Bendigo Football League, defeated Preliminary Finalist team - Rochester FC team photo]
• [https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/224881831/24105591/ 1952 - Football Club ball photos at Rochester]
• [https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/224019246/24108016/ 1952 - Boort Football Carnival: Rochester FC team photo]
• [https://www.pressreader.com/australia/campaspe-news/20170822/281711204767840/ 1962 - Bendigo Football League Premiers: Rochester FC team photo]

{{Commons category}}

{{Goulburn Valley Football League}}

Category:1874 establishments in Australia

Category:Sports clubs and teams established in 1874

Category:Australian rules football clubs established in 1874

Category:Bendigo Football Netball League clubs

Category:Goulburn Valley Football Netball League clubs

Category:Netball teams in Victoria (state)