Sport News

Mr Derek Lennon

Last weekend saw Marist take on St Edmund’s College and a host of supplementary matches across the divisions. It was a successful weekend with all three first teams having good wins and strong results, especially in cricket where we won 23 and lost 2.

The 1st XVIII started the weekend positively for us with a comfortable 70 points to 38. The 1st XI bowled amazingly to dismiss St Edmund’s cheaply, with Leo Morris taking 5/4 and captain Will Easter taking 4/7 in a devastating opening spell of bowling. The 1st VI showed renewed confidence to defeat their more fancied opponent 3-nil in a very comprehensive win.

This weekend we face Villanova College, with senior matches at Villa and junior games at home. As always, please check the draw carefully for venues as there will be supplementary matches.

Sports Canteen Roster

We look forward to welcoming the parents and caregivers from Year 8 to the sports canteens this week. Please keep an eye out for the sign up information on the parent orbit app.

Study and Play USA

After a successful foundation in 2025, Study & Play USA are returning to Marist to present information for families interested in considering the United States college system as an option for tertiary study, particularly through sport opportunities.

Marist College Ashgrove will host an evening with Study & Play USA on Monday 30 March 6:00pm-7:00pm (Tower Building). All parents and students are welcome to attend. Study & Play USA also has connections with a similar Sporting arrangement body in the UK so they can help with starting that process too. This is a FREE session. Should you be interested in considering this pathway for your son, you can organise a FREE one hour 1:1 session with Study and Play USA. Many Marist boys have taken this step previously, with great success. Please see the flyer below.

Click on the link to register: REGISTER HERE

Marist College Ashgrove Study Play USA.pdf

Wet Weather and Cancellations

We will attempt to play to train and play all games.

Should the weather be inclement, a decision will be made by 6:00am for morning training sessions and 2:30pm for afternoon training sessions. A decision for whether game days will proceed will be communicated by 6:30am. Where we do not have control over a venue, such as Marchant Park, we will communicate as soon as we have the information.

All communication around wet weather and cancellations will be via the Orbit app and email to students.

Registration Process

All players who want to play a sport must register on Student Café during the sign up period in the term before the AIC competition occurs. Parents need to approve this through Parent Lounge.

It is vitally important that all players sign up. We have to nominate team numbers to the AIC and recruit suitable coaches before we start trials. The information we use to do this is the numbers per cohort we see signed up for each sport.

Boys who have not signed up during the registration period will not be guaranteed an opportunity to participate.

Signing Up

Sign in to Student Café; select Extra Curricular; select Sign-up Available; choose the sport you want to play and complete any additional fields as required.

Parent Approval

Sign in to Parent Lounge; select Extra Curricular; click Sign-up Now; select Approve Sign-Up and check and update medical details; click Accept; choose Update; click Submit to School.

To view the details your son has signed up for at Student Details/Extra Curricular.

Reminder For Spectators

Remember that the boys participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours.

Recognise the importance of volunteer coaches and referees. They give their time and resources to provide a game for young participants.

This is a GAME!

The referees are human (and often volunteers).

Remember that young people learn best by example.

Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from the game.

The Mental Health Benefits of Sport

I often reflect on why schools like ours play sport. It places significant pressure on operations and resources. Well the benefits far outweigh the costs in the holistic education of our boys. One key area, that unfortunately is continuing to grow in mental health. While we often celebrate the obvious benefits of sport, skill development, teamwork and competition, its impact on the mental health and wellbeing of young people is just as significant.

Adolescence can be a challenging time. Boys are navigating academic pressures, social expectations and the gradual journey toward independence. Regular physical activity provides an important outlet during this period. Exercise is strongly linked to improved mood, reduced stress and better emotional regulation. When boys train, run, compete and recover, they are not only developing physically but also learning how to manage emotions such as frustration, disappointment and excitement.

Sport provides structured opportunities for boys to experience challenge in a healthy environment. Winning and losing both become valuable learning experiences. Through these moments, students develop resilience, perspective and the ability to respond constructively to setbacks, skills that are essential far beyond the sporting field.

Equally important is the sense of belonging that sport provides. Being part of a team connects boys to their peers, coaches and the broader school community. These relationships are powerful protective factors during adolescence. Research consistently shows that young people who feel connected to their school and involved in extracurricular activities report stronger wellbeing and greater engagement with learning.

At Marist, sport is therefore about much more than results or premierships. It is about forming young men who understand the value of commitment, discipline and teamwork, while also supporting their mental and emotional wellbeing.

Encouraging boys to remain active, involved and connected through sport is one of the most powerful ways we can support their development. When boys move, compete and belong, they are not only becoming better athletes—they are becoming healthier and more resilient young men.

Rugby League Program

In the background over the last six months, we have been working hard to set up our rugby league program for the future as this sport grows within the AIC. This started with the hiring of our first full-time coordinator, Camryn Mabey, who manages our rugby league and AFL programs as his full-time substantial role at the college. Camryn has started positively, driving standards, building connections, and leading the program forward.

Mr Brad Winchester (Head Coach) and Mr Mal Grealy and Mr Jim Midgeley (Assistant Coaches) have taken on responsibility for coaching our flagship 1st XIII team with renewed enthusiasm, and a drive and passion that will hold us in good stead for the season. Having the coaching team on staff is a positive for the team.

In addition to this Chris Muheram has joined our Marist College Ashgrove Rugby League coaching staff as Head of Coaching for years 5-12. Chris will oversee and work with our coaches in developing all aspects from training drills, coaches’ development, implementing our Marist playing style, structures, team procedures and our Marist College traditions and culture.

Chris has been involved with coaching Rugby League for over 18 years including being the Coaching Director of Wests Arana, Brisbane Broncos Coaching Development, A Grade Brisbane League teams and 4 years at MCA coaching the 10As to a top of the ladder AIC Rugby League season and last year the undefeated Second XIII.

Marist is very fortunate to have Chris' experience to lead the Marist Rugby League coaching and development program starting from year 5's all the way to our Opens.

Student Achievements

Cricket

Archer Tallon (11E) recently represented Met North at the Queensland School Sport Championships. Archer received the medal as leading wicket taker for the carnival with 13 wickets at 8.6. Well done Archer.

AFL

Mr Cam Mabey - AFL Coordinator

Round 5 vs St Edmunds

1st XVIII Match Report

Ewan Wood (Best On Ground)

It was good hit out in the wet the boys this week against St Edmunds, with both teams hard at it from the start. The backs held strong keeping the Eddies forwards to minimum goals, with some handy players, this is to be commended. Follow that, it was good to see the forwards hit the scoreboard getting the points we needed to secure the win. With two big games coming up the support of the hive would be much appreciated

Grade of the Round

Congratulaions to the Opens grade who are this week’s grade of the round. The opens are made up of our 1st and 2nd XVIIIs, featuring boys from Year 10, 11 and 12. Both teams had convincing wins on Friday afternoon against St Edmunds College. Year 11 student Connor Campbell and Year 12 student Ewan Wood were the respective Best on Ground’s for these teams, a testament to their consistency over the past 3 months. We wish best of luck to the coaching staff of this grade: Matt Beattie, Brett Gillett, Jack Thompson, Tony Stevens, Adrian Brown, Aston Wilson and Ash Hutchings, as they prepare for their final 2 matches against Villanova and Padua.

Cricket

Mr Matt Millward - Cricket Coordinator

Week 5 down, 2 weeks to go! A strong showing in Round 5 has left the program in a good space heading into our final two matchups – Round 6 vs Villanova and Round 7 vs Padua. Playing at a number of venues across Brisbane, our teams performed well vs St Edmund’s and Ambrose Treacy – a key highlight included our 1st XI’s dominant win over SEC, leaving them undefeated through 5 rounds. Looking forward to Round 6, please remember our values both on and off the field, always displaying the Marist values of sportsmanship and comradery – supporting one another through the wins and losses. A few key points to note below as we head into our final two weeks.

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 int eh visitors changing room of the John Eales Grandstand – McMahon Oval. Primary cricket kits are to be stored under the primary school in the sports gear storage shelves.

AIC Round 6 – Saturday 14 March

The schedule for this weekend – AIC Round 6, will be released on Tuesday 10th March, with team lists to follow on Friday 13th March, please keep and eye out on Parent Orbit and emails for these to come out!

Term 1 Training Schedule – Week 6

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.

Volleyball

Mr Blair Whitlock – Volleyball Coordinator

1st VI Match Report

Written by 1st VI Player: Charlie Wilcox

A major win on Saturday for the 1st VI as we took down St Edmunds College. Our last home game and we made use of the vocal crowd and put on a thrilling performance for everyone watching. After our close loss to St Laurence's last week, we came back firing with powerful swings and hard blocks. The team methodically piled on points due to our low error rate and near perfect passing game, never letting the opposition get too close on the scoreboard. But where we really shone as a team this week was our serving - only missing a couple of serves the entire game putting all the pressure on the Eddie's passing line. This was showcased by both Lyndon and Finley having serving streaks interrupted twice by opposition time outs, which didn't faze them.

A special thanks to all the boarders and other students who made up The Hive. The energy and enthusiasm created an awesome atmosphere for our last home game - last ever volleyball home game for the senior boys. After this incredible 3-0 win against a team to whom we lost in a five-set marathon in the trial, we will continue to build momentum and keep our energy high for the next game against Villanova College. And the team first mentality and high intensity from Saturday will continue through the last two games of the season.

Training Schedule

The training schedule will remain as follows for the rest of the season and any changes will be communicated to the specific teams involved.

Internal Volleyball

Internal Volleyball is well underway and it was great to see around 40 boys there last Friday afternoon to get some extra practice in a fun and relaxed environment. The Internals are open to any Years 7-9 students that would like to come along and give it a crack. These will run on Friday afternoons from 3:30pm to 4:30pm and finish on Friday 20 March.

Team of the Week

After every round of matches there will be a Team of the Week selected from the best performers throughout our 21 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 2 team!

Football

Mr Blair Whitlock - Football Coordinator

The football season is on the horizon and the trial phase has commenced for several cohorts. The trial process is different across age groups and outlined in detail below:

Primary Football Trials (Years 5 and 6)

Year 5 and 6 trials are run separately during Weeks 8 and 9 before an internal game day on Saturday 28 March. In order to run effective trials with smaller numbers the Year 5 and 6 trials are both split into two sessions per week according to students' surnames eg Session 1– A to K surnames and Session 2 – L to Z surnames. A schedule with exact dates and times for these trials will be released during Week 7.

Year 7-10 Football Trials

The Year 7-10 football trials are split into two phases with an A/B team trial process running from Weeks 5-7 before further trials in Weeks 8-9 to grade the remaining teams. Due to rain disruption there have been postponements in Years 7 and 8 A/B trials and new dates will be communicated accordingly.

The A/B trials are by invite only with all players from the previous seasons A/B teams invited. Any students that are new to Marist or played outside the A/B teams in 2025 must email the Football Coordinator (whitlockb@marash.qld.edu.au) for permission to attend the A/B trials. All students that are willing to work hard, push themselves and strive to make a higher team are absolutely encouraged to do so.

Open Football Trials (Years 11 and 12)

Open football trials will run in Weeks 7 and 8 with an internal game day on Saturday 28 March. The first trial is on Thursday 12 March from 3:30pm to 5:00pm on Flat 5.

Football Registration

Football registrations are now well over 500 students and there is still time to sign up to play in Term 2. The AIC Football season is coming onto the horizon and the most important step at the moment is to ensure you are registered to play football in Term 2 so that you receive all the notifications through the Orbit app. Here are the instructions on how to register for Term 2 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.

Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby Union / Track and Field

Rugby Ready Program | Year 5-12

The Rugby Ready Program is an important part of preparing students for a safe and successful rugby season.

We have now reached the halfway mark of the Rugby Ready Program and have enjoyed another fantastic week, with almost 600 students attending the second week across seven different sessions. Thank you to all the students who participated. We greatly appreciate the support and enthusiasm shown throughout the week.

As we move into Week 3, the intensity of sessions will increase, with the introduction of full contact. Students are reminded to bring their mouthguards to all training sessions. The program will also continue to cover key aspects of the game, including law enforcement and important safety measures such as the “MAYDAY” call.

Please NOTE, if a student does miss a session, please attend another session that week either a year level up or down eg. Year 8 can attend Year 7 or Year 9. This ensures that a student remains on the same progression each week as his year level and can re-join his group the following week with a full understanding of the language and techniques required.

You will see the Opens have been allocated two options each week, however they only need attend one.

Thanks to our wonderful coaches for volunteering their time and expertise to the program. We appreciate all that they do in creating a safe, challenging and enjoyable rugby environment.

WET WEATHER – Training will very rarely be cancelled due to wet weather. However, in the event of rain, I ask that all students be dropped off at Des Connor Field, Flat 5. To protect computers and formal hats, please ensure all gear is placed under cover around the canteen or in the shed upon arrival.

NOTE – Any student chosen for the AIC Marist swim team, you will start your Rugby Ready Program following the AIC Swimming Championship on Tuesday 11th.

ALL swimmers intending to play rugby will be required to complete one session in Week 7 following the Championship. Please make sure you attend one of the following sessions:

Wednesday PM – Opens

Thursday AM – Year 9

Thursday PM – Opens

Friday AM – Year 5 and 6

Swimmers will then be required to do two sessions in Week 8. Mr Graham will put on a session for all swimmers on Monday 24 (Week 9) at 6:45am to ensure they can complete the program.

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.

Thanks to all departments for supporting the Rugby Ready Program.

Marist Rugby Union | Sign On

Thank you to the 580+ students who have already signed on to play rugby at the College in 2026.

In the Opens, the College is on track to field teams from the 1st XV through to the 10th XV. A terrific reflection of the strength of the program’s culture and a credit to the commitment of both staff and students.

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.

Marist 1st XV | Currimundi Camp

The 1st XV wider squad travelled to Currimundi Recreation Centre over the weekend for their annual preseason camp. The camp brought together 35 students and four staff members for a valuable period of preparation ahead of the season.

Whilst the wet and windy conditions did their best to dampen camp enthusiasm, the manner in which the students approached the challenges and meetings must be commended. The coaching staff were particularly impressed with the thoughtful contributions made during team meetings, as well as the competitive drive and effort shown throughout the various team challenges.

Across the camp, the group participated in a mixture of team-building activities, physical challenges and team meetings designed to strengthen the connections within the squad and establish a strong foundation for the year ahead.

A number of key objectives guided the camp. These included building strong connections with the teammates they will play alongside this season, identifying the culture and values the group aspires to create, and developing an understanding of who they represent each time they wear the Gold jersey. The camp also focused on continuing to build clear expectations and standards around training, preparation and performance.

While the group worked hard throughout the camp, it also provided an opportunity for the players to enjoy time together and strengthen the bonds that are so important in team sport.

Delivering a camp of this quality relies on the support of many dedicated people. Camps require significant planning and coordination to ensure the experience is both meaningful and beneficial for the students involved.

Thank you to the coaching staff for their valuable support, care and guidance throughout the camp. In particular, we acknowledge the contribution of Mr Chris Daykin, Mr Adam Earnshaw and Mr Drew Smith, whose commitment to the players and the program helped create a positive and purposeful environment for the group.

Marist Rugby Union | Nutrition Guide

To support your recovery following early morning training sessions and to help maintain focus and energy levels throughout the school day, below are some simple breakfast ideas that can be prepared at home and brought to school:

Breakfast Wrap: Wholegrain wrap with scrambled eggs, cheese and spinach, plus a piece of fruit. Easy to wrap in foil and eat after training.

Greek Yoghurt Bowl (in a container): Greek yoghurt, oats or granola, berries, honey. High protein and easy to prepare the night before.

Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich: Wholegrain bread, peanut butter, sliced banana, plus a small milk or flavoured milk. Simple and filling.

Smoothie (in a shaker bottle): Milk, banana, frozen berries, oats, yoghurt or protein powder. Fast, portable and ideal if appetite is low after training.

Overnight Oats: Oats, milk, yoghurt, chia seeds, honey and fruit in a sealed container. Prepare the night before, no cooking required.

Rugby Referee Program | Invitation

It was another busy Friday afternoon for students participating in the Rugby Referee Program, completing the second week of their four-week journey towards becoming a qualified rugby union referee.

Thank you to the 17 students from Marist College Ashgrove, two students from Mount St Michael's College, one student from Padua College and one parent who attended last Friday’s Referee Ready session. We also thank Daniel Mangin from Queensland Rugby Union for delivering the course and supporting the program throughout the AIC rugby season.

The Marist College Ashgrove Rugby Referee Program is open to students in Year 8 and above who are interested in becoming a referee.

Rugby referees can earn between $25–$40 per game, making it a great opportunity to stay involved in the game while developing leadership and decision-making skills.

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.

Rugby Union Trials

Please make sure you see the Rugby Union Key Dates Calendar in the Parent Orbit for all games throughout the season.

Following the conclusion of the Rugby Ready Program at the end of Week 8, the students will start to prepare in their Year levels for the full school internal trial on Saturday 28 March (end of Week 9). This day also serves as the Rosalie Tribute Round.

For those interested in watching the early season 1st XV and 2nd XV trials, the games are as follows –

WHAT: Internal 1st XV trial

WHEN: Sunday 15 March

TIME: 10:00am-12:00pm

WHERE: Everton Park Roosters Rugby Union Club (Hurdcotte Street)

WHAT: 1st XV vs Downlands / 2nd XV vs Downlands

WHEN: Sunday 22 March

TIME: 10:30am – 2nd XV kick off / 11:30am 1st XV kick off

WHERE: Everton Park Roosters Rugby Union Club (Hurdcotte Street)

Marist Rugby Union – Social Media

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

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.

Track and Field

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Mr Rob Martin – Head Coach, Track and Field

Marist Track and Field | State Championships Preparation

Students from the College continue to prepare for next week’s Queensland Athletics Championships.

In wet and trying conditions, a number of students still braved the elements to get some competitive practice in. Please find the results below:

Cathy Freeman Shield Meet Results

Men’s U18 400m Hurdles – Connor Cambell – 3rd – 57.50
Men’s U13 60 Sprint – Miller Exintaris – 4th – 8.62
Men’s U13 100m Sprint – Miller Exintaris – 5th – 13.89
Men’s Open 100m Sprint – Isaac Ting – 13th – 11.17
Men’s Open 400m – Ben Flanagan – 21st – 52.78
Men’s Open 400m – Perry Croft – 30th – 55.19

The Championships will be held 12–15 March, and we wish all Marist athletes the very best in their final preparations and competition.

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)

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.

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 afternoonsWHERE: Hayden OvalTIME: 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.