Preparing for Term 1 Sport

As the year winds down, preparations for Term 1 sport are well underway. Trials are now in full swing across all programs, and several of our First teams are already deep into their pre-season commitments.

Our First XI cricketers are hosting the Marist Schools Australia Cricket Carnival here at Ashgrove and our First VI volleyball team will compete on the Gold Coast in December at the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup. We wish all these teams the very best as they complete vital preparation for the upcoming AIC seasons.

We are also reintroducing January training opportunities for students—something we look forward to expanding in the future as part of our continued focus on readiness and participation.

The Spirit of Spectating

One of the great strengths of school sport is the sense of community and pride that surrounds it. Unlike club sport, our engagement extends far beyond match days—we live and learn together as one Marist family. Our students, staff, and parents all care deeply about how we represent ourselves, and it’s this shared passion that makes our sporting culture so special.

Our First team fixtures often attract larger crowds than many senior competitions across the state, and that support is something to be proud of. With that passion, however, comes a responsibility to channel our enthusiasm in the right way.

In my time at the College, I’ve been impressed by how respectful and supportive our community is at sporting events. That said, maintaining these high standards takes continued effort. It’s much easier to nurture a positive culture than to repair a negative one. Let’s keep working together to ensure our behaviour—on the field and in the stands—reflects the values we live by every day.

After all, for the vast majority of us, sport is about being active, learning new skills, and enjoying time with our mates.

Expectations for Boys

Dress with pride. Always wear your College uniform correctly when spectating. If you’ve played earlier in the day, change out of your playing kit before attending other games. No thongs, slides, or Birkenstocks, please. When we look unified, we project the strength and pride of the Marist community.
Represent the College well. Remember, every boy is a “postcard” for Marist College Ashgrove. Many people’s only interaction with the College is seeing you in public—make that impression a positive one.
Support positively. Cheer for good play, ignore mistakes, and never direct negative comments toward players or officials. True sportsmanship means showing respect to opponents and focusing your energy on supporting our team.
Know the war cries. Bring your voice, enthusiasm, and pride to every match—nothing lifts a team more than a united chorus from the stands.

Expectations for Spectators

Our parents and supporters play a vital role in creating the right sporting environment. The best thing any spectator can do is simply cheer and encourage.

Avoid coaching from the sideline—leave that to the coaches. It preserves team harmony and respect for those in charge.
Follow the golden rule: If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. You never know who’s listening, so keep all comments positive.
Stay encouraging, even when games don’t go our way. Help the boys focus on what went right rather than what went wrong.
Remember that most of our officials are students or young adults. They make mistakes, just like players and coaches. Show them patience and respect at all times.

At the end of the day, school sport is about growth, teamwork, and joy. Let’s continue to set the standard for what it means to be part of the Marist sporting community—respectful, passionate, and proud.

Sport - Basic Expectations for All Players

The expectations of the players are broken into two categories- training and match day. All players should be aware of these expectations and ensure they are meeting or exceeding them.

Training

Upon selection in an AIC team players required to train at least twice per week, In-season activities always take precedence over pre-season or development training.

MOTTO FOR TRAINING: “ON TIME, DRESSED CORRECTLY, READY TO GO”

ARRIVAL	Start times for training sessions are just that; not arrival times. If training starts at 3:30 that means you are on the field ready to go, not just arriving.
ATTITUDE	Training is work time not social time. To play at your best you need to train at your best.
ATTENDANCE	All players are expected to be at all team training sessions. If you are going to miss training you need to contact your coach and year coordinator direct to explain why. In the Primary this will need to be from a parent.
EQUIPMENT	All training sessions require the wearing of safety equipment such as boots, mouthguards, shinpads. Essentially, if you need it for a game, you need it for training. Boys will not be allowed to participate in training sessions without these.
UNIFORM	Players must be in the Marist blue training shirt and shorts for all training sessions, unless otherwise directed by the coach.

Match Day

PLAYING

All players are expected to be available for all matches. You have made a commitment to the college and your team. If you are unavailable for a match contact your coach and year coordinator as soon as possible explaining the reason why.

ARRIVAL TIME

Unless otherwise directed, players are to arrive at the venue not less than 30 minutes before kick-off and report to your team coach or manager.

DRESS CODE

All players are to turn up to matches in their playing kit or tracksuit. No player is to turn up wearing non-Marist items. All boys must change into your college uniform to watch later games.

First team players are required to wear your formal uniform.

EQUIPMENT

Boys will also require equipment for the sport, such as mouthguards, boots, shinpads, etc. All players must have a Marist playing jersey, shorts and socks.

HYDRATION

Each boy must bring their own full water bottle with them. Team coaches and managers will encourage the boys to drink water but ultimately players are responsible for their hydration.

SHAKING HANDS

All players are to shake hands with their opponents at the completion of the match. This is to occur before any war cry or team celebrations occur.

RESPECT

At all times on match days Marist athletes must ensure that their actions and conduct is respectful to their opposition, officials, themselves, their teammates, coaches, and the College.

FIRSTS SUPPORT

All players are strongly encouraged to stay behind and support the first team.

Cricket

Mr Matt Millward - Cricket Coordinator

Cricket Pre-Season is well underway in preparation for the 2026 AIC season. Our first week went well, with the majority of sessions avoiding clashes with the recent weather, our trials will continue for this week and next. Please check the trial schedule below for timings and locations. Please note, schedules may change and will be communicated if/when this occurs.

Expectations

This week all boys at training have been aware of some expectations that will be in place within the cricket program this season.

PUNCTUALITY
Boys are expected to be at trials/training on time and be dressed and ready to start at 6:45am (morning) and 3:30pm (afternoon).
COMMUNICATION
Boys are expected to communicate to Mr Millward or their relevant year coordinator (not their coach) if they have any issues in relation to attendance at trials/trainings or games.
UNIFORM
All cricketers must wear the correct uniform to training. This includes Marist Training shirt, Training Shorts and blue or white Marist socks. Boys who are not wearing the correct uniform will not be permitted to participate.
RESPECT
All boys are expected to demonstrate high levels of respect for their coaches and their peers at all times.

Equipment Storage

Please note the storage location for secondary school cricket kits has now changed. ALL secondary school kit bags are to be stored under the outdoor cover of the Br Terence boarding house at the top of Cameron Oval stairs. Please ensure kits are neatly stored within this area. Please see the following photo. Primary kit bags are to be stored under the primary as usual.

Sign On

2026 Cricket Season Sign On is now available on Parent Orbit or Student Cafe.

All students interested in playing Cricket in 2026 are encouraged to Sign On ASAP.

Thank you to those who have already done so. There were some boys at sessions this week who had not yet signed on and will need to do so prior to their next session.

Coaching Positions

We are currently in a very healthy position in relation to coaching appointments for 2026. We do have some vacancies available for anyone interested in coaching. To receive more information, please click the link below and complete the form.

https://forms.office.com/r/5DXZJ07J7W

Specialist Sessions

We are pleased to announce that our specialist sessions are now underway! Wicketkeeping with Brad Murphy, Pace Bowling with Joey Laner, Spin Bowling with Brett Henschell and Batting with Michael McNamara. There are a few spaces available for these sessions – please contact Mr. Millward for more information.

Holiday Clinics

Our December holiday camp has been confirmed. Brett Henschell will return with his coaching crew to deliver his camp for boys currently in years 5-8. The camp will take place from Wednesday 10 December – Friday 12 December, 8:30am – 12:00pm. Please keep an eye out on Parent Orbit for sign up and payment.

Term 4 Trial/Training Schedule – Week 4

Swimming

James Boyce - Director of Swimming

Well done to Daniel Sadimenko, who represented Queensland at the recent School Sport Nationals in Ballarat. Daniel competed in the 12 Years 100m Backstroke, finishing 5th, and the 200m Freestyle, finishing 8th. He was also part of the Boys 4x100m Freestyle Relay team, which placed 3rd overall. Congratulations, Daniel, on a fantastic effort and representing Queensland so well!

As we head into Week 5, we’ll begin incorporating more sprint work into our weekly program. This phase will be more demanding, and I’ll be encouraging the boys to focus on the controllable aspects that require no skill — such as effort, attitude, preparation, and consistency.

With the final stretch of Term 4 ahead, I ask all swimmers to remain consistent in their training. We’ve built strong momentum, but missing a week or two can set us back. Please stay on top of study and assessments so you can continue training effectively as we prepare for the 126 days ahead.

Please see this week’s swimming schedule attached.If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at swim@marash.qld.edu.au.

Marist Swimming | Sign On

For full details, please visit Parent Orbit. Students must sign up via the Student Café, with parents or caregivers confirming registration through Parent Lounge and updating all medical details.

This process allows the College to plan for the appropriate number of coaches and resources.

Important: Students who are not registered for AIC Unallocated will not receive emails regarding swimming program, including schedules and updates.

For any enquiries, please contact: swim@marash.qld.edu.au.

Swimming Timetable for Term 4 – Week 5

Year 5 - 2026

	Monday 3/11	Tuesday 4/11	Wednesday 5/11	Thursday 6/11	Friday 7/11
AM
PM			3:30 – 4:15

Year 6 - 2026

	Monday 3/11	Tuesday 4/11	Wednesday 5/11	Thursday 6/11	Friday 7/11
AM					7:15 – 8:00
PM			3:30 – 4:15

Year 7 – 12 – 2025

	Monday 3/11	Tuesday 4/11	Wednesday 5/11	Thursday 6/11	Friday 7/11
AM		7:15 – 8:00	7:15 – 8:00		7:15 – 8:00
PM

Rugby League

Mr Cam Mabey, Sports Coordinator – AFL & Rugby League

Rugby League Pre-Season Opportunity

Wests Junior Rugby League club have reached out and extended an offer to Marist College students to attend a series of training clinics, beginning this Saturday morning.

The sessions are for boys turning 13 – 17 in 2026, and will include coaching from Darren Lockyer, Shane Muspratt and Keiron Lander. This is an awesome opportunity I would encourage any aspiring Rugby League players to make the most of.

Please see the attached flyer for further details.

AFL

Mr Cam Mabey, Sports Coordinator – AFL & Rugby League

Pre-Season AFL Trials

We are now in the second week of the three-week 2026 AFL trials block. The numbers and performance at these trials have been of impressive quality.

With a cohort of experienced and committed coaches, these trials are great opportunity for Boys to showcase their talents and receive valuable coaching ahead of the 2026 season.

If you have not yet signed up for the AFL trials, please action this ASAP via the School App, we can then assign you to the relevant year group and ensure you receive the communications going forward. For any assistance you may require in this area, please send me an email – mabeyc@marash.qld.edu.au

A copy of the Trial schedule is attached below for anyone wanting to double check their trial details.

Volleyball

Mr Blair Whitlock – Volleyball Coordinator

It was great to see everyone back in action as Volleyball trials commenced last week. Please see the week 5 schedule below and a reminder to let the Volleyball coordinator (whitlockb@marash.qld.edu.au) know if you are unable to make your trial.

Volleyball Registration

2026 Volleyball Season Sign On is now available on Parent Orbit and Student Cafe.

All students interested in playing volleyball in 2026 are encouraged to sign-on ASAP, so you do not miss any information surrounding the season ahead.

Australian Volleyball Schools Cup – Squad Announcement

Congratulations to the following players who have been selected to represent Marist in the AVSC from the 7th – 13th December on the Gold Coast:

Aidan Kock	Finley Nicholson
Alastair Malghem	Jack Rosenberg
Angus Miller	Lyndon Maynard
Ben Brassington	Nicholas Weaver
Cade Kelly	Oliver Smith
Charlie Wilcox	Tate Allen

The team will be competing in the Year 11 Division 1 and will play against teams from right across Australia and New Zealand.

1st Break Sessions

As a way of increasing court time the Champagnat Centre will be opened regularly during 1st break to give all Volleyball players an extra opportunity to practice. This will be open from 11:20am to 12:05pm and all students looking to attend must bring a pair of trainers to avoid scuffs from school shoes.

Get a couple of your Volleyball mates together and come along for some extra practice!

Christmas Prawns and Ham Fundraiser

Brett Gillett - Pastoral Leader - Gilroy