Sport News
Mr Derek Lennon

Sport News
Mr Derek Lennon
Last weekend saw Marist face Iona with senior teams at home and juniors away. Iona have proved a tough competitor in recent years, with last weekend proving no different. Iona were too strong in AFL and volleyball with Marist winning the cricket. The 1st XVIII kicked us off on Friday night where Iona got the jump on us early and maintained a two-goal lead throughout in a decent performance against last year’s premiers. On Saturday the 1st VI started strongly against a quality Iona team but were eventually outgunned in three sets against last year’s premiers, which will serve us well for the coming weeks. The 1st XI had five debutants on show on Saturday against the team we shared last year’s premiership with, winning the toss and batting. After a shaky start, a 100-run partnership got us up to 176 and it proved too much for Iona, bowled out for 129.
This weekend we travel to St Peters Lutheran College. The 1st XI cricket are proud to be involved with the McGrath Foundation and their Pink Stumps Day event.
We are hosting an AIC lead up swim meet this Friday with St Edmund's and Padua travelling to Ashgrove to go head-to-head against our best.
Good luck to all boys wearing the blue and gold this weekend.
AIC Results
I am highlighting the AIC website has had a refresh and a new emphasis on the timely delivery of results will see all sports results and tables updated on the same day so you can follow our teams performances each week across the sports by going to https://aicsport.com.au/ and clicking on the relevant sport page. The results page covers all schools and sports. You are able to filter to the correct sport and school to make it easier to find the team you want.
AIC TV
We have been live streaming many of the AIC competition sports each weekend for a few years now. In Term 1 they are showing AFL, volleyball and now cricket matches, Term 2 will be football and rugby and Term 3 will see rugby league and basketball matches streamed live. Go to https://aictv.com.au/ to watch our first teams taking on the best of the AIC each week.
Social Media
Marist Sport is on Instagram. Follow our highlights and successes at @marist_ashgrove_sports and @marist_ashgrove_rugby. You can also follow the AIC competition on Facebook (search AIC) and Instagram at @AIC_sport.
News
The Courier Mail has taken a keen interest in AIC sport in recent years as well so stories on results, key athletes across the AIC and great performances are often featured.
We also like to highlight our students' achievements in sport, both school sport and club sport in the College Newsletter each week. Simply email lennond@marash.qld.edu.au with details (student name, sport, tournament/activity, some information about the achievement, and a photo or two if possible).


Congratulations to Aidan Marshall (Year 10) who has been selected in the Queensland U16 Mixed Indoor Netball team to compete at the Australian Junior Indoor Netball Nationals from Thursday 14 February to Friday 21 February.
Mr James Boyce - Director of Swimming
On Friday, we hosted Villanova College in our first dual meet of the year. This meet provided a timely and valuable opportunity for our boys to race after an extensive 16-week training block. With selection for the final AIC team now underway, the focus will continue to sharpen over the final 28 days of preparation.
I spoke to the boys on Friday about the importance of turning up each week with the intent to improve. This first meet marked the beginning of a four-week competitive phase, where our goal is to build on each Friday’s performances under a heavy training workload, before tapering towards the College Age Championships and the AIC Swimming Championships.
Swimming is a demanding and gruelling sport, and while I may be biased, it is arguably one of the most challenging sports the College offers. It requires an exceptional level of commitment, discipline, and resilience—often for improvements measured in tenths of a second. While it may not always provide the immediate excitement of some team sports, the lessons gained through swimming—time management, perseverance, handling disappointment, and continuing to pursue long-term goals—are invaluable.
We often hear athletes talk about motivation; however, motivation can fluctuate, particularly when fatigue sets in. Over the next 28 days, the focus will be on commitment and dedication to our collective team goal, regardless of how we feel on any given day.
Our Captain shared the following quote last week, which strongly reflects what this season represents:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
This team cannot rely solely on its strongest swimmers. Success comes from every member contributing and supporting one another—this is how we grow and improve as a team.
This Friday will see our second dual meet of the season, as we host Padua and St Edmund’s. This will provide another competitive opportunity for our boys to challenge themselves and continue competing for places within the team.
I wish all swimmers the very best for the upcoming meet. Stay committed and keep sight of the journey ahead.
Over the weekend, several swimmers also competed at the Queensland State Sprints. Congratulations to the following boys who finished inside the top ten in their events:
Isaac Gervais – 9th, Boys 13 Years 50m Breaststroke
Well, done to all swimmers who represented the College at this meet.
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.
Mt Matt Millward - Cricket Coordinator
AIC Round 1 was a great success across the cricket program in Ashgrove, with strong performances from all of our teams resulting in a showing of 24 wins, 2 ties and 8 losses. A special thanks to our parents, caregivers, friends and family for your support of the boys, transporting, feeding and supporting them through the hot summer days – without your help this doesn’t happen. Please note key points below, heading into AIC Round 2.
Expectations
Please be aware of the following expectations that are in place within the program here at Marist. All boys must always embody these values and expectations throughout the 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 photo below. Primary kit bags are to be stored under the primary building.


Pink Stumps Day
This weekend we have our annual pink stumps round vs St Peter’s Lutheran College, the round is played in support of the McGarth Foundation with many of our games, both home and away turning pink for the day. Please come down and get involved with the day, any donations to the McGrath Foundation can be provided using the QR code in the flyer below.
Specialist Sessions
Please keep an eye out of Parent Orbit and the newsletter for specialist coaching opportunities throughout the season!
AIC Round 1 – Saturday 7th February
The schedule for this weekend – AIC Round 2, will be released on Tuesday 10th February, with team lists to follow on Friday 13th February, please keep and eye out on Parent Orbit and emails for these to come out!
Term 1 Training Schedule – Week 3
Please see Parent Orbit for this week’s training scheudle – all boys are required to be at training, please let your year level coordinator, or Mr Millward know if you are going to be absent. Year 7 will not train on Wednesday due to Year 7 camp.
Mr Blair Whitlock – Volleyball Coordinator
Round 1 vs Iona College
The first round of the AIC season saw our junior teams (Years 7-9) heading out to Wynnum with our senior teams (Years 10-12) at home against Iona College. It was a great opportunity for our boys to test themselves against what has been the benchmark Volleyball program in the AIC for several years. The boys fought hard for every point and represented the College with pride throughout the day which was wonderful to see.
Overall, our program won 6 of the 21 matches played on Saturday with many teams putting in greatly improved performances from the trial round despite results not going our way. Special mention to the 9B, 9C, 10C, 11B, 11D and 2nd VI teams that picked up hard-earned victories and a big thank you to The Hive for their loyal support on Saturday! We look forward to seeing continued improvement throughout the season as we prepare to take on St Peters in Round 2.
1st VI Match Report
Written by captain, Cade Kelly
The first round of AIC Volleyball brought us to the court against Iona, reigning champs of AIC and gold medallists of the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup. Each player in the locker room knew this would be a game where we had to leave everything out on the floor. But stepping out onto the court, the boys took their role as the underdogs with pride, keen to step out and show our mettle. Throughout the warm-up, the competitive tension and energy only grew, each swing only adding to the fire, the crowd helping to ignite a competitive spark. But despite the camaraderie, the great moments, and the grit the boys showed, Iona came out as the better team, winning the game 3-0.
With a tough loss to start the season, the boys are prepared to take a step back and bring new passion to our training, bouncing back from the defeat. With our first away game of the season against St Peter’s on the horizon, we know we’ll have to prepare well and leave our all out on the court to secure a needed win for the blue and gold.
Team of the Week
After every round of matches there will be a Team of the Week selected from the best performers throughout our 22 teams. The TOTW will be posted on the Marist College Ashgrove Sport Instagram page so make sure you are following along to see who made the Round 1 team!
Volleyball Playing Uniform
Our uniform has improved significantly over the last two weeks with the vast majority of players looking sharp in their full volleyball kit (yellow playing shirt, blue Marist sport shorts and blue Marist crew socks). One particular item that still needs work is our socks – there were several players wearing white socks on Saturday which are not part of our uniform. If this is you, please pop down to the uniform shop this week (open Monday, Wednesday and Fridays) and grab a pair of the Blue Marist Crew Socks ahead of Round 2 matches.
Student Referees
Well done to the following students who made their refereeing debuts on Saturday:
Archie Knowles, George Henderson, Willem Ferguson, Mitchell Kerr and Jack Rosenberg.
We look forward to seeing you all gain further experience and develop as officials throughout the season!
Mr Cam Mabey - AFL Coordinator
AFL Round 1
The AIC AFL season began on the weekend against IONA College. Across our 17 matches, in Year 5s through to the 1st XVIII, we came away with 7 wins and 10 losses. All teams showed positive signs with coaches reporting a dominance of field position and possession, however a lack of execution in scoring points. The boys are eager to hit the training paddock this week and improve on their Round 1 woes.


Results:
1st XVIII – Loss; Best on Ground: Nate Neville
MCA – 34
IONA – 47
Nate’s match report: We knew Iona were going to be tough to beat, the boys fought extremely hard from start to finish after coming back from the halftime break on a roll, but just fell short at the final siren. There is a lot to take out of the game positively, but also a lot to learn from which we will cover in a big week of training. It will be good to bounce back this Friday against Ambrose Treacy, and we are looking to repeat the win against them from last year.
2nd XVIII – Win
MCA – 56, IONA – 12; Best on Ground: Anthony Yunkaporta
Year 10A – Loss
MCA – 9, IONA – 70; Best on Ground: Liam Goddard
Year 9A – Win
MCA – 67, IONA – 1; Best on Grounds: Nicho Schisas, Cooper Donaghy and Declan Mulqueen
Year 9B – Win
MCA – 100, IONA – 7; Best on Ground: Jack Sommerville
Year 8A – Win
MCA – 27, IONA – 7; Best on Ground: Finn Beaver
Year 8B – Loss
MCA – 28, IONA – 42; Best on Ground: Harry Nolan
Year 7A – Loss
MCA – 2, IONA – 55; Best on Ground: Archie Johnston
Year 7B – Loss
MCA – 48, IONA – 66; Best on Ground: Ted Macpherson
Year 6A – Win
MCA – 84, IONA – 63; Best on Ground: Leo Mylne
Year 6B – Loss
MCA – 45, IONA – 73; Best on Ground: Riley Newton Perry
Year 6C – Win
MCA – 71, IONA – 19; Best on Ground: Ben Barron
Year 6D – Win
MCA – 66, IONA – 21; Best on Ground: Jasper Ryan
Year 5A – Loss
MCA – 14, IONA – 84; Best on Ground: Max Wurf
Year 5B – Loss
MCA – 40, IONA – 56; Best on Ground: Hugh Gallagher
Year 5C – Loss
MCA – 25, IONA – 58; Best on Ground: Phoenix Bryant
Year 5D – Loss
MCA – 7, IONA – 83; Best on Ground: Billy Macdonald
Grade Of The Round
Congratulations to the Year 9s who were the best performing grade in Round 1. This grade is made up of the 9As and 9Bs who both put on big wins of 67 – 1 and 100 – 7, activating the mercy rule in both fixtures. A standout of this grade was Nicho Schisas, who played a solid three quarters for the 9Bs, before coming off the bench for the 9As in the following match to kick four goals.
Thanks to coaches Sean Mulqueen, Lachie Ford and Jack Meehan for their efforts at trainings and on gameday to guide this cohort to a positive start to the season.


AFL Training Schedule
The attached training schedule stands for the remainder of the season. A reminder that Year 5s need to wear sneakers only to train on Hayden Oval. All boys must have the correct AFL training uniform and a mouthguard to participate.


Club AFL Opportunities


Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field
Marist Rugby Union | Sign On
Thank you to the 400+ students who have already signed on to play rugby at the College in 2026.
Parents - please find the Extra-Curricular tile on Parent Orbit to find information regarding sign on. You are able to sign your son up for a chosen sport once the portal opens.
Students who wish to play Term 2 sports, you are able to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup and edit or update any medical details.
This assists the College in organising the appropriate number of coaching staff and to deliver the necessary resources, and ensures all relevant information is forwarded to you via communication channels.
Rugby Ready Program | Year 5-12
Starting in Week 5 (Monday 23 February), Marist College is delivering a 4-week Rugby Ready Program across all age groups leading into the rugby union trials. The Rugby Ready Program involves a host of measures such as physical preparation, skill development, correct and safe techniques preparing the players for contact, enforcement of game laws, and management of safety issues such as the Scrum Passport and the “MAYDAY” call.
Whilst there are a number of reasons for providing such a program, a key driver is wanting to deliver to all students a safe, challenging and enjoyable rugby union program. In order to develop the Marist College rugby players, we must give them the skills to approach the game with confidence and minimise the chance of injury.
The program involves four stages (1 session per week) and ALL players will be required to complete in order to play rugby this season. Please see below the schedule starting in Week 5. You will note the Opens have been allocated two options each week, however they only need attend one.
Boys are required to come dressed in their blue MCA training shirt / Marist bumblebee jersey, Marist sport shorts (see photo) and Marist rugby / white or blue sports socks. Boys will also require boots, mouthguard, and a water bottle for each session. Each session will run for 60-70 minutes.
Please make sure your son is signed up to Rugby Union so they receive all the necessary information.
NOTE – A reminder to any student who is swimming at the AIC Championships, please attend Rugby Ready from Week 7, Wednesday 11 March. That will get you started and allow me to work with you through Week 9 and into the trials.
Similarly, any students involved in a music rehearsal or practice are asked to alternate weeks from Week 5 if their music practice clashes with Rugby Ready. Students in this situation may attend another Rugby Ready session that same week in a year level above or below eg. Year 8 can attend Year 7 or Year 9, in order to complete the four mandatory Rugby Ready sessions.
Thanks to all departments for supporting the Rugby Ready Program.
Marist Rugby Connection | Year 5
This is an open invitation to ALL Year 5 students.
The Marist Rugby Union program is committed to a strong and genuine connection from the 1st XV down to our newest bumblebees in Year 5.
Friday 20 February, the Year 5 students are invited to train with the Open Blue and Open Gold squads on Hayden Oval. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect the students in a safe and friendly environment, and to align some of our key rugby language and philosophies.
DATE: Friday, 20 February
TIME: 6:45am-7:45am
WHERE: Hayden Oval
DRESS: Marist sports shirt, Marist sport shorts, and Marist white or blue socks.
Rugby Referee Program | Invitation
The Marist College Ashgrove Rugby Referee Program is offered to anyone in Year 8 and above who is interested in becoming a referee. This program is extended to anyone in the Marist community who would like to become a referee including Old Boys, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters of Marist students. Through participating in the program, you will become accredited to officiate junior rugby and have the best seat in the house.
In 2025, we had 9 students and two parents complete the course.
The program will run for four consecutive Friday afternoons, beginning on Friday 27 February. The content is delivered from 3:30-5:00pm here at the College.
A rugby union referee earns between $25-$40 per game.
Anyone interested should contact Mr Richard Graham, Director of Rugby / Track and Field grahamr@marash.qld.edu.au
Marist Rugby Union | Correct Uniform
As parents begin to purchase clothing in preparation for each term’s sporting commitments, I would like to clarify the College’s expectations regarding the rugby union uniform.
Last season, we had a small number of students cut the bottom off their rugby union socks and insert a white sock. The rugby union uniform is very clear and consists of the bumblebee jersey, Marist sports shorts, and Marist rugby union socks.
There are to be no alterations made to any part of the rugby union uniform. I ask that students and parents please address this prior to the season commencing, rather than it needing to be followed up by coaches closer to the season.
Thank you for your continued support.


Marist Rugby Preseason | Years 10, 11 and 12
Thanks for everyone’s efforts over the past two weeks. The number of Year 11-12 students attending the optional sessions has been overwhelmingly positive. Congratulations on the manner you have approached the sessions and the level of improvement we have seen.
Please see the information for Week 3 and 4, Term 1 preseason rugby union training in the Parent Orbit.
The dress code for ALL sessions is Blue MCA shirt, Marist blue sports shorts, and white / blue / Marist rugby socks (see @marist_ashgrove_rugby on Instagram).
All field sessions will take place on Des Connor Park, Field 5.
FOOD and WATER: Make sure you bring food and fluids for post session recovery and to support your learning throughout the day. Some simple ideas below you can prepare at home and bring to school:
NOTE – if you have a commitment to a Term 1 sport, that is your priority.
Marist Rugby Union | Camps and Tours
After a number of successful tours in 2025, the Marist Rugby Union program is excited to offer a range of camps and tours in 2026, providing students with valuable experiences in tournament and regional rugby environments. These opportunities are designed to enhance player development, strengthen team culture, build independence, and further prepare squads for the upcoming season.
The following initiatives are locked in for 2026 -
Currimundi Camp
Blue Squad – 35 students (those competing for a spot in the 1st XV)
Saturday 7 – Sunday 8, March
Ballymore Cup
1st XV squad (approximately 25 students)
Thursday 16 – Saturday 18, April
South Pine Sports Complex
The Armidale School Rugby Carnival
U12 team (for logistical reasons, the squad and reserves were selected in Term 4, 2025)
Friday 11 – Sunday 13, April
NOTE: in preparation for the Armidale Carnival, a competition featuring seven teams will be run at the College on Sunday 29 March.
Marist Rugby Union – Social Media
In 2025 the College consistently 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.
Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field
Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field
Marist Track and Field | Camp (SAVE THE DATE)
Following our success at the 2025 AIC Primary and Secondary Championship and win at the National Schools Challenge (Intermediate Division), the Track and Field program continues to provide excellent opportunities for students to be involved in a high-quality program.
The Track and Field Camp is a vital component of the team’s preparation for the AIC Championship. Over 2½ days, students will receive high-level coaching and mentoring from an exceptional team of specialists including National and Olympic-level coaches across various track and field disciplines.
Attendance at the camp is by invitation only and invitations will be sent to selected students in late August. Selection is based on a range of factors, including performance, attitude, attendance and team composition.
This camp provides an outstanding opportunity for students to refine their skills, build team camaraderie, and gain valuable insights from elite-level coaches as we prepare to defend both our AIC Secondary and AIC Primary Championship trophies.
Camp Information
Dates: Thursday 17– Saturday 19 September 2026
Venues: Sleeman Sports Complex (Accommodation) / UQ Track and Field (Training and Performance)
New Marist Students
For any students who are new to the College and interested in joining the Track and Field program, and who may have questions about involvement, please see Mr Richard Graham in the Sports Office (under Room 108).
Marist Track and Field | Sign On
Parents - please find the Extra-Curricular tile on Parent Orbit to find information regarding sign on. Students who wish to be involved in the Track and Field program, you are able to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup and edit or update any medical details.
This assists the College in organising the appropriate number of coaching staff and to deliver the necessary resources, and ensures all relevant information is forwarded to you via communication channels.
Sunday Sessions
For all students wanting to begin their Track and Field training, Mr Rob Martin will continue to run his usual Sunday sessions. The focus at this early stage is Sprints / Hurdles / Throws / Jump plyometrics. Please see below details -
WHEN: Sunday afternoons
WHERE: Hayden Oval
TIME: 3:15-4:45pm
DRESS: Marist sport shirt, Marist sports shorts, white or blue socks.
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.
Mr Andrew Ward - Director of Tennis
As we settle into the rhythm of Term 1 coaching, it has been incredibly encouraging to see the standard of our next generation of Year 5 players. The enthusiasm, focus, and natural ability on display promise an exciting journey ahead.
For many, this will be a six-year pathway through to Year 12 — refining skills, building resilience, and proudly representing their school with passion. Others may step on and off the tennis journey as they explore where they feel most connected within school life. Either way, our goal remains the same: to provide a clear, supportive pathway for every student, at every level, throughout their entire schooling experience.
Tennis is truly a game for life. It’s not uncommon to see players competing well into their 70s and 80s — a testament to the sport’s longevity and the lifelong friendships and fitness it provides. We are proud to be building a program that equips our students with skills they can carry long beyond their school years.
Super League News
What a fantastic launch to the 2026 Super League season! The opening round delivered some tight, competitive matches across the weekend.
Congratulations to our Division 3 team — Ryan and Tom — who held their nerve against determined opposition to secure a strong win.
Well done also to Jack and Hunter in Division 5, who delivered an impressive team performance to get the job done.
While a few of our other teams experienced narrow losses, the margins were small and the effort was outstanding. As the season progresses and match experience builds, we expect to see those close sets start falling our way. A little more composure, a little more street smarts — and we’ll turn those tight contests into victories.
A strong start, team.
Marist Tennis Club – New Club Shirt Release
This week marked the release of our new Marist Tennis Club shirt, available to Elite Squad members and Super League players.
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive — the boys love them. Designed to stand out from a distance, these shirts represent more than just apparel; they represent identity, pride, and the continued evolution of our club.
In time, I have no doubt they will become collector’s items — symbols of the era when Marist Tennis firmly established itself within the Brisbane tennis landscape.
A sincere thank you to Mr Derek Lennon and our leadership team for their ongoing support in helping shape the future of our program. We couldn’t take these important steps forward without you.
Coaching Update
All coaching sessions are now fully underway. As we assess players in their training environments, we may contact a small number of families to discuss alternative class placements.
In some cases, players have progressed beyond the level they initially selected and moving them into a higher group will better support their continued development. Our priority is always to place students where they will be both challenged and supported appropriately.
Wilson Tennis Racquets
Marist Tennis can order any racquet within the Wilson range, with exclusive member discounts available across the entire catalogue.
We will not be beaten on price.
For all bookings and enquiries:
Email: mcatennis@marash.qld.edu.au
Phone: 0437 449 523
Thank you for your continued support of the Marist Tennis program. We are excited about the year ahead and the opportunities it holds for every player involved.
Mr Blair Whitlock – Football Coordinator
The AIC Football season is coming onto the horizon and preseason training will commence in the coming weeks. The most important step at the moment is to ensure you are registered to play Football in term two so that you receive all the notifications through the Orbit app. Here are the instructions on how to register for term two sport.
Parents please find the Extra-Curricular tile on Parent Orbit to find information regarding sign on.
For students who wish to play Term 2 sports, you are asked to sign up via the student café. Once your son/s have signed up all parents or caregivers MUST approve the signup and edit or update any medical details.
This assists the College in organising the appropriate number of coaching staff and to deliver the necessary resources, and ensures all relevant information is forwarded to you via communication channels.