 By 1971, Rochester was being woo-ed by the Goulburn Valley FL, as it was keen to expand, but the Bendigo league refused a clearance.In 1971, Rochester made the 1st 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.