Sport News

Last weekend saw our last official AIC events for 2025 with the Esports, Touch and Water Polo gala days. Marist was well represented across the three events. The weekend was a true representation of the best things about the AIC competition where boys got to to represent their college in their chosen sport, participate with their mates, and have a positive, enjoyable time doing so. Across the weekend there were lots of happy boys showing off their talents and doing so with a smile on their faces. 

On Saturday morning our Esports teams enjoyed competing at capture the flag in Minecraft. Thank you to Mr Greg Egan for coordinating and coaching our esports teams. Thank you to Villanova College for organizing such an impressive event, which is sure to grow over the coming years. Our teams were highly competitive with much practice having gone in to prepare.

Our primary school represented at the AIC Touch competition at Iona on Friday afternoon and the boarding house with two teams and day boys with three teams participated well. In very hot conditions the boys acquitted themselves very well. Thank you to our Touch Coordinator Ms Kate Moore and Mr John Lambourne and Mr Blair  Whitlock for organizing the teams for the event and all the coaches and referees who supported our participation.  

On Sunday Marist hosted the AIC Water Polo competition. There were three divisions, Year 7s, 8/9 and opens. Our Year 7s and 8/9s enjoyed their first water polo experience for the College early in the morning, with the teams competitive without much luck in their matches. Thank you to our Water Polo coordinator Mr Ryan Apps and Mr Ryan Apps, Mr Phill Holding and Ms Grace Ryan for coaching our teams.

Term 1 Sports

Our first teams are kicking off 2026 with trials and training commencing in volleyball, cricket and AFL along with our entire swimming program. Our whole program opportunities in each of the team sports have started or will be starting very soon as we look to get some pre-season practice and provisional team selection sorted. 

The College app is the best place for information about our sports programs. You must be registered to sede information about an activity. Over the coming days and weeks, you will see trials and training information, season calendars, selection policies and handbooks for each of the sports. These documents will provide you with the key information you need to understand the commitment, the expectations and where and when you can get involved and need to be and will start to appear as they are required. The contact details for the term 1 sports coordinators are:

AFL                      Mr Camryn Mabey           mabeyc@marash.qld.edu.au

Volleyball            Mr Blair Whitlock             whitlockb@marash.qld.edu.au

Cricket                 Mr Matt Millward             millwardm@marash.qld.edu.au

Swimming          Mr James Boyce                boycej@marash.qld.edu.au  

Registrations

All players must be registered to play. You will not see any information in the activity without being registered. There will be no exceptions to this rule in 2026, including first team players. There will now be a consistent registration period for each sport throughout the year. 

Term 1 Uniforms

All players need to be in the current uniforms as listed below. Please be careful if purchasing secondhand uniforms that the item is the current uniform. The information below is also available in each sport’s handbook available on the College app soon.

It is the expectation that all boys will train in the Marist blue training shirt and shorts for all sessions from term 1, unless directed otherwise specifically by their coach.

We try and provide opportunity for boys in all sports but due to the nature of the competition and the sport, this is not always possible, and some boys will miss out in some sports. In term 1 this includes AFL and volleyball. Therefore, please do not purchase items in these two sports until teams have been finalised in those sports and a position on an AIC competition team has been confirmed as there are no refunds available from the uniform shop if the item has been worn. Cricket is unlimited so if a boy registers to play we will have a team for him and find games for him to play. 

AFL

Volleyball

Cricket

First Teams

It has been the college position for a number of years now not to favour or privilege any one team, sport or activity over another in terms of uniform. Therefore, all players must purchase their playing uniform, including first teams. In 2023 we commenced a policy where if a player qualifies, he is presented with a commemorative item for that sport, such as the jersey or similar depending on the nature of the activity. Players are required to purchase their training shirt (marigold) and shorts and socks once the squad has been finalised. The training shirts are available from the uniform shop once advised by the coach or coordinator of the activity, and the shorts and socks will be invoiced before the end of the competition term. 

This policy is available in the sport specific handbooks. The marigold shirt is consistent across all sports and only needs to be purchased once as it will fit with all sports at first team level.

Student Achievements

Rugby Festival

The Pacific Youth Rugby Festival was held last Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Albany Creek Rugby Club. Teams including Qld Fiji, South Africa, Qld NZ and NT participated at the festival. Many of our Marist boys played for the Queensland Royals teams. The under 14s, 16s and 18s won their age group premierships.

Congratulations to those boys who represented their respective teams.

Cricket

Mr Matt Millward - Cricket Coordinator

Cricket pre-season is well underway in preparation for the 2026 AIC season. Trials commenced on Monday morning and will run for 3 weeks (Weeks 4, 5 and 6). 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 made 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/training 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 attached 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

Wicketkeeping: QLD wicket keeping coach Brad Murphy will be running specialist wicketkeeper sessions on Tuesday afternoons for interested wicketkeepers. Please contact Mr Millward to register your interest. 

Spin Bowling: Spin Bowling Masterclasses with Brett Henschell are now underway; we have a few spots left for the remaining 2 sessions. Please contact Mr Millward for further information. 

Pace Bowling: Former 1st XI quick Joey Laner is returning to Marist, assisted by 1st XI coach Mr Abbott to provide fast bowling clinics for boys currently in Years 5-8. These sessions will be held in Weeks 5, 6 and 7. Please keep an eye on Parent Orbit for further details, registration and payment information. 

Batting: ACT state batsman/wicketkeeper Michael McNamara will be providing specialist batting sessions for boys currently in Years 5-8. These sessions will be held in Weeks 5, 6, 7 and 8. Please keep an eye on Parent Orbit for further details, registration and payment 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

Mr James Boyce - Director of Swimming

Week 3 is done, and once again I’ve been really impressed with the effort and attitude shown by so many of our boys.

Last week, our Year 7–12 squads lifted the intensity as we start preparing to race fast. From here, the sessions will only get tougher — and that’s exactly what we need. Progress comes from showing up, pushing through, and committing. Consistency is what separates good teams from great ones.

We have some incredible individual swimmers at Marist College Ashgrove, but our real strength lies in how we perform together. We can’t rely on a handful of boys to carry the load across multiple races. To reach our full potential, every swimmer needs to step up, contribute, and fight for every point.

To those who’ve been training hard and turning up consistently — well done. You’re setting the standard for what it means to be part of this team. For anyone who’s yet to get back into regular training, now’s the time. When you stand behind the blocks, you want to know you’ve done the work — that you’re ready, confident, and determined not to let your teammates down.

Let’s keep building. Every session count, every effort matters, and together we’ll be ready when it’s time to race.

We will continue to offer three sessions per week for Years 7–12, with a strong focus on technique development and building a solid training base. This foundation will set us up for quality work at the end of term and through the holiday period.

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 4

Year 5 - 2026

Year 6 - 2026

Year 7 – 12 – 2025 

Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

Marist Track and Field – Social Media 

@marist_ashgrove_sports

Marist College has continued to showcase incredible moments in Track and Field again this year, from Year 5 victories to exceptional feats by our Year 12 students, all vividly captured on our social media pages.

Follow us and stay up-to-date with Marist Track and Field on Instagram - @marist_ashgrove_sports

Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Term 4 | Preseason Training

We are now in the third week of the optional five-week preseason rugby union training for current Years 9-11 students. We have had exceptionally high attendance numbers and we want to thank those students who have already joined and are pushing themselves this term!

This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn some new training habits and behaviours, improve their skills, and build their conditioning both on the field and in the gym. 

Field sessions are led by Mr Richard Graham, Mr Chris Daykin and Mr Charlie Taylor. Athletic development is overseen by Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, Mr Adam Earnshaw.

The training block will continue until Friday, November 14. 

Nick Frisby | Halfback Passing

This Wednesday we welcome back Old Boy (2009) and former Wallaby, Nick Frisby. Nick is a wonderful supporter of our rugby program and has provided expert guidance to our aspiring halfbacks.

Nick will work with our Years 9-11 halfbacks as we continue to progress through this preseason block.

Marist Rugby Union | U12 The Armidale School Rugby Carnival

Thank you to the students who turned up to Week 2 of the U12 The Armidale School Rugby Carnival preparations. The carnival is Australia’s largest junior rugby carnival and we are excited to prepare a team to represent the College in 2026. 

We encourage all interested students born in 2014 to attend the sessions.

WHERE: Hayden Oval

WHEN: Friday mornings

TIME: 6:45am

DRESS: Marist sports shirt or bumblebee jersey, Marist sports shorts, blue or white socks

Special thanks to Mr John Lambourne, Mr James Trebbin and Mr Anthony Graham for leading the sessions in preparation for selecting a team.

Marist Rugby Union | Scrum Ready Program

We have had large numbers attend the Scrum Ready Program. Last week, twenty-one Year 9-11 students attended the Tuesday afternoon session. A huge thank you to those students across both programs who joined the sessions last week. The Scrum Ready Program is a vital part of our approach to education and safety in this area of the game.

Any students who play in the front row or the wider forward pack are invited to the Scrum Ready Program. 

Tuesday 3:30-4:30pm

Years 9-11

Wednesday 3:30-4:30pm

Years 5-8

DRESS: Marist sports shirt, Marist sports shorts, white / blue Marist socks, rugby boots

WHERE: Des Connor Fields, Flat 5 The aim of the training sessions is to educate students on key strengthening exercises, correct technique and the ability to maintain a safe, strong and stable body position. The five weeks will consist of:

1.     Core and body strengthening exercises

2.     Solo with no opposition – on knees

3.     Solo with no opposition – on feet

4.     Solo against a machine / tackle bag

5.     1 v 1 / 3 v 3 body shape. 

Students should complete the program with knowledge that will allow them to continue their own training across the remainder of Term 4 and into the school holidays.

Mr Chris Daykin, Mr Doug Perrers and Mr James Trebbin are leading the five-week Scrum Ready Program in Term 4 for the Years 5-11 rugby union forwards.

Marist Rugby Union | Social Media 

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

During the 2025 rugby union season, the College delivered some wonderful rugby memories through our social media pages. From the smallest bumblebees in Year 5 through to the biggest bumblebees in Year 12, all of it was captured in wonderful colour.

To stay connected with Marist rugby and with all the program’s achievements, please follow our Instagram page @marist_ashgrove_rugby.

Volleyball

Mr Blair Whitlock – Volleyball Coordinator

Welcome back to the start of the new Volleyball season! Trials are underway this week and will continue during Weeks 5 and 6 before exam block commences in Week 7. See the Week 4 schedule below and please keep an eye on the Orbit app for next week’s schedule.

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.

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 practise. 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!