Sport News

Round 7 v Padua College

Last weekend saw the conclusion to the AIC Chess, Rugby and Football seasons for 2026 with the majority of matched played at home for our Super Saturday. It was a terrific atmosphere and the boys really enjoyed playing in front of a big crowd.

We started on Friday night with our First IV Chess team going down to a strong Padua team. It was a tough season for the Chess program with Marist finishing 7th in the aggregate. Thank you to Mr Tim Humphry and Mr Aaron Manson for your leadership, organisation, and guidance of the chess program. I have no doubt we will be back bigger and stronger for next year.

On Saturday our First XI learnt that hard work, resilience, skill and a little bit of luck goes a long way. Around 5 minutes before running out the boys found out that the game between St Laurence’s and St Peters finished in a draw which meant a win against Padua for us would secure outright premiership. Padua weren’t going to give in easily and came out strong and put the boys on the back foot, however, in true Marist form, the boys played to their strengths and came away 3-0 victors, securing the premiership. Congratulations to all the boys involved and to Blair Whitlock (First XI Head Coach) and Willem Banes (First XI Assistant Coach) who’s dedication and commitment to the program over the last few years has been invaluable for the program.

The First XV had an epic match with Padua who were playing to share the premiership while Marist were playing to win as outright premiers. With two quick tries to start the game and settle the nerves of a packed-out Cyprian and John Eales stand, setting the Marigold up for a strong 36-5 win. Congratulations to Mr Richard Graham and Mr Chris Daykin who have been both been exceptional leaders to all the boys in the Rugby program.

Inter-house Athletics Carnival

This week we have our inter-house athletics carnival. We look forward to enjoying a day of spirited competition between the houses. A broad range of activities and competitions have been organised beyond the traditional track and field events to cater for everyone. Most importantly, it is a chance to come together as a Marist community and enjoy all the great things about inclusion, togetherness, mateship and fun. Good luck to our competitive track and field athletes for the carnival.

Term 3 Trials

Good luck to all boys trialling for term 3 sports, tennis, rugby league and basketball, and our fast-approaching track and field season. Just a reminder to hold off buying playing uniforms until teams are finalised in Term 3.

Student Achievement

Congratulations to Alex Holding (Year 9) who has been selected in the QLD Water Polo team

Rugby Union

Mr Richard Graham – Director of Rugby / Track and Field

Super Saturday | What a Day!!..

Despite an incredibly wet week leading into the weekend, nothing could dampen the spirit of everyone who attended Super Saturday at Marist College. The fields may have been wet, but the atmosphere and energy was electric from the start of the day to the finish.

More than 30 games of rugby were played between Marist and the four different opposition schools who visited the College. Even on the wet fields, the on-field performances matched the quality and the energy of the day. Every match was delivered at the highest level, with students, coaches, and supporters all contributing to the success of the event.

From the Old Boys Reunion Day to the Boarding Family Fun Day, giveaways, the supporters’ bar, and prize draws, the event captured everything that is great about our rugby community, connection, and school spirit.

Another sincere thank you to Mr Andrew Chapman for his outstanding contribution as MC at McMahon Oval during Saturday’s final round of fixtures. Mr Chapman played a significant role in creating a fantastic atmosphere, bringing energy, variety, and enthusiasm to the day.

For those who were there to witness it, the 1st XV surrounded by The Hive, singing Sub Tuum post-match to the Old Boys, and the Old Boys singing it proudly back, was a moment of genuine connection and tradition. It’s a memory that will last for a very long time and one that perfectly captured the essence of the day and the season.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make Super Saturday one of the most memorable days of the rugby union calendar. From our exceptional grounds staff, the College events team, right through to our volunteer canteen staff, we are extremely grateful for your support.

Boarders vs Dayboys | 2026 Rugby Union Match

The annual Boarders vs Dayboys rugby union match on Friday afternoon kicked off AIC Round 7 and a weekend of festivities that included Super Saturday. This traditional fixture is played for the Boarders vs Dayboys Challenge Shield and represents a healthy, respectful rivalry that dates back to the foundation of the College.

The 2025 winners, the Boarders, entered the match looking to defend their title, while the Day Boys were determined to avenge last year’s defeat. Played on Hayden Oval on Friday afternoon in wet and difficult conditions, both teams delivered an excellent standard of rugby. The match was physical, fast-paced, and attacking, with both sides showing a fierce competitiveness and desire to win.

Congratulations to the Boarders winning the match 36-7. Led by seniors Oscar Tully and Rueben Simpson, the Boarders were just a little too good on the day.

Well done to Jack Purcell (Dayboys) and Jack Curtain (Boarders) for receiving Man of the Match honours.

Despite the weather, the support from the crowd was exactly what you’d expect from a local derby, passionate and vocal. Thanks to all those who turned out to yell and cheer their respective teams on, and a huge thank you to the staff who volunteered their time to ensure it was a safe and friendly environment.

Congratulations to all students involved in what was another memorable match and a fitting way to kick off Super Saturday.

Message of Thank You to “The Hive”

It is the memories that will live with us for a very long time!!....three of the last four games played at home have been meaningful and outstanding games of rugby. All of this lead us to Round 7 and what an electric day of schoolboy rugby. The atmosphere reflected the intensity and significance of the final round of 1st XV rugby for the season.

I would like to especially acknowledge Archer Mellifont for his leadership, passion, and drive. He has been at the front of The Hive every single week and we are so grateful to have him on our team. From all of us, a massive thank you!

To every student who stood inside “The Hive”, a massive thank you from everyone involved with the 1st XV. Your passion and commitment to supporting our team was nothing short of exceptional.

The regular 50-metre tunnel of students welcoming the 1st XV onto the field was a powerful moment.
The Year 5 students walking through the tunnel with the 1st XV prior to the Padua game demonstrating our genuine connection throughout the program.
The sea of blue blazers in the sun and rain every weekend, and the pride with which you cheered on the team is something we will never forget.
The hundreds of students from "The Hive" who brought noise, energy, and unwavering support from the first kick-off to the final whistle.

To be able to celebrate the 1st XV undefeated premiership with you on the field was our small way of saying thank you. We hope we gave you plenty to smile and cheer about because you provided us with resolute support every weekend of the season.

…….and thanks to everyone for helping create something truly special to finish the season.

Marist Rugby Union | Aggregate Champions

Congratulations to our outstanding coordinators, coaches, and students on being crowned the 2026 AIC Rugby Union Aggregate Champions. Following last year’s 10.5 point win, it’s a remarkable achievement to back it up in 2026, this time by an even more impressive 15 points. Marist finished with 83 points, ahead of Iona College on 68.

The Aggregate is determined by results across the following teams:

1st XV to 4th XV
10A and B
9A and B
8A and B
7A and B

Congratulations to the 1st XV, 2nd XV, 3rd XV, 4th XV, 10B, 9A and 9B teams for undefeated aggregate seasons. This is a wonderful achievement, and testament to the quality of training and ability to deliver consistently across the season in games.

Other non-aggregate undefeated Marist teams include the 5th XV, 6th XV, 7th XV, 9th XV, 10C, 9C, 6C and 5D. Congratulations to all the coordinators, coaches and students for their consistency throughout the season.

Well done to everyone involved in our magnificent program for your commitment, consistency, and attitude throughout the season.

Well done to our 34 teams

This year, 34 teams represented the College across seven AIC rounds, delivering strong performances every weekend. The season was full of learning, enjoyment, and continual growth. Our teams played with passion, executed our Marist catch pass, backed up with effort on effort, and embraced our physical attacking style of rugby. The enthusiasm and enjoyment displayed by our players was contagious. The connection they built with their teammates created a culture of resilience, growth, and lifelong friendships. These are the memories that will stay with them long after the final whistle.

Thank you to all involved for wearing the bumblebee jersey with pride and representing the College so well.

Thank you to our Coordinators and Coaches

As the curtain falls on another fantastic season, we express our sincere thanks to our coordinators, coaches, and support staff. Week after week, they brought energy, guidance, and care to every training session and match day. Their work has shaped both the rugby outcomes and the young men within our program. We are grateful for everything you have done and we hope you enjoy a well-earned break before we do it all again in 2027.

Strength and Conditioning

Mr Adam Earnshaw – Head of S&C

Mr Drew Smith – Assistant S&C

Opens Rugby

Coordinator: Mr Peter Gaiter

Coaches: Mr Richard Graham, Mr Christopher Daykin, Mr Ieti Fetalaiga, Mr Peter Gaiter, Mr Glenn Wright, Mr Bill Prole, Dan Drew, Charlie Gardiner, Henry Gardiner, Mr Andy Marshall

Year 10 Rugby

Coordinator: Mr Michael Abbott

Coaches: Mr Michael Abbott, Mr Dan Ritchie, Mr Simon O'Hare, Mr Pat Brown, Kurt Roberts, Sova Hughes

Year 9 Rugby

Coordinator: Mrs Liz Walsh

Coaches: Mr Charlie Taylor, Mr Mal Grealy, Mr Jye Davies, Mr Camryn Mabey, Dom Forbes, Francis Sevil

Team Manager: Henry Leybourne

Year 8 Rugby

Coordinator: Mrs Sharon Davidson

Coaches: Mr Brad Winchester, Mr Tom Dangerfield, Mr Pierce Hardy, Ms Grace Ryan, Mr Matt Millward, Mr Lewis Reardon

Year 7 Rugby

Coordinator: Mr Damian Nelson

Coaches: Mr David Jackman, Mr Doug Perrers, Mr Jim Midgley, Mr Damien Nelson,

Year 6 Rugby

Coordinator: Mr John Lambourne

Coaches: Mr John Lambourne, Lachlan Dale, Jack Shay, Ash McKinnon, Clarry Lundberg

Team Manager: Jimmy Corbett

Year 5 Rugby

Coordinator: Ms Ella Graham

Coaches: Mr Anthony Graham, Mr Hugh Freese, Lachlan Vink, Lachlan Harney, Ben Mead, Noah Clark, Ms Ella Graham

Thank you to everyone who made this season possible

To all our parents, volunteers, and administrators, thank you. Your support makes everything we do possible.

A special thank you to our incredible Health Centre team, led by Mrs Jane O’Shea and supported by Mrs Rebecca Treston, Mrs Jenni Broad, Mrs Vonnie Reynolds, Mrs Roberta Mee, Mrs Angela McInnes, Mrs Deborah McDermott, Mrs Yvonne Reynolds, and Mrs Ellie Hotston. Your care, professionalism, and tireless dedication ensured our students were always in safe hands.

To our referees, thank you. Our program is the envy of the AIC because of your consistent presence and reliability. We especially thank Mr Drew Meehan for coordinating this team and acknowledge the young Marist referees who debuted this season – Harry Maher, Balthazar Caesar, Flynn Barrett, Edward Heenan, Harrison Fowler, Remi Rowland, Harvey Pye, William Hutchinson, Harry Eccleston, Hamish Pope, Alexander Michael, Jackson Keir, and Owen Ambrose. We look forward to your continued involvement in the years ahead.

To our marketing and content team, led by Mrs Bethany Halpin and joined by Mrs Jen McNamara, Mrs Sophie Tuffley, Mr Damien Zoomers, Mr Dylan Gower, Mr Thomas Cramsie, Mr Seb Harman and Gower Production, thank you for your creativity and excellence. You’ve once again raised the bar. From building a strong social media presence to producing another memorable Super Saturday, you’ve played a massive role in the success of our season.

Thank you to Ms Niamh Jarvis for your ongoing support. Your commitment to promoting our students through our social media platform and raising the profile of our program is truly appreciated.

We also recognise the efforts of our services and grounds team. To Mr James Dousi, Mr Matt Darch, and Mr Dane Rowe, and to Mr Callum Clark and his team - Mr Alex Schroder, Mr Phill Larsen, Mr Kevin Carr, Mr Jordan McHugh, Mr Kyle Gardner, Mr Kane Ruston, thank you for delivering first-class facilities, rain or shine. In a season where we have had significant amounts of rain, you’ve allowed our students to train and play in the best possible conditions each and every week.

A huge thank you to our canteen team, Mrs Josie Loucas, Mrs Reo Jenner and Ms Jaqueline Lopez. Your coffee and bacon burgers are the best in the AIC, but more importantly, your presence helps create a welcoming and inclusive game day environment.

One of the cornerstones of this season was ensuring every student had the opportunity to play at least 50 minutes each weekend. Our commitment to placing students at the centre of the program was reflected in the lengths taken to find games and provide meaningful playing time for all. To Mr Matt Millward and Mr Eddie Wallace (EO AIC Sport) - thank you for your tireless efforts. Mr Millward’s administration and genuine care for our students is the heartbeat of our program. Mr Wallace’s, behind-the-scenes work made it possible for our boys to take the field each week. A huge thank you to both men.

Marist Rugby Union – Social Media

@marist_ashgrove_rugby

In 2026 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

Inter-House Track and Field Carnival | Week 9

The Inter-House Track and Field Carnival is the largest school sporting event in 2026.

Pre-events are already taking place from Monday 15 to Wednesday 17 June, with the main carnival taking place on Friday 19 June. It promises to be an incredible day full of colour, fun, and competition. With a combination of championship events and novelty activities, there is something for every student to enjoy and take part in.

For students nominated in championship events, Mr Rob Martin is running his usual Sunday afternoon training sessions. These are a great opportunity to prepare and perform at your best early in the season.

Back to back champions in 2024 and 2025, Ignatius House, will be looking for a three-peat this year, and with every point counting, all students are encouraged to get involved and give their best.

PLEASE NOTE -

Due to the College hosting the Confraternity Cup, McMahon Oval is closed following Round 7 of the AIC rugby union season. This means that there will be no running track available until the start of Term 3. As a result, the schedule is as follows -

TERM 2

Friday 19 June Inter-House Track and Field Carnival (Secondary School)
ALL championship fields events and the 100m will be completed.

TERM 3

The following track events will be run as Age Championship events and time trials for West Districts.

Wednesday 15 July - Championship 200m and 800m run at PM training session.
Friday 17 - July Championship 400m and 1500m run at PM internal mini meet. We are aware that Year 12 are on retreat during this period. As a result, Year 12 can join on Friday 17 when they return or we will run events on Monday 20 at the PM training session.

Whilst these are Secondary School events, some Primary students may be invited to race to gain further experience in a competition environment.

Marist Track and Field | Sunday Sessions

For those students wanting to get a head start or start the season strongly, Mr Rob Martin will continue to run his usual Sunday sessions. Mr Martin has had exceptionally strong numbers attend the sessions as students prepare for up-coming Inter-House Carnival and AIC season. The Sunday sessions are an excellent introduction. We have some exceptional coaches leading these sessions, and creating an environment of learning and enjoyment. Some benefits include -

Improvement in technique and speed.
Technical development for throws.
Improved repeat speed / conditioning.

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 | Holiday Sessions

The Track and Field program will run training sessions across the school holidays. We are working with the Confraternity staff to better understand when and where we can train so as not to disrupt the carnival.

An email will be sent to all students and families once these dates and times have been confirmed.

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.

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 – 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.

Basketball

Mr Matt Millward – Basketball Coordinator

Welcome to the new season of AIC Basketball at Marist Ashgrove College. The season is well underway with our trial period in full swing, concluding this weekend with our internal trial round. Please see below key points of interest to be aware of regarding the upcoming few weeks.

Key Documents

The 2026 Handbook, selection policy and key dates calendar can be accessed via Parent Orbit, here you will be able to find key information regarding the upcoming season!

2026 Basketball Trials

Trials for all players commenced in week 8, and will continue to run this week, with an internal round of trial matches scheduled for Friday afternoon (Primary) and Saturday morning (Secondary). A schedule for this Friday and Saturday will be circulated on Tuesday afternoon. Team lists will follow on Thursday evening (Primary) and Friday morning (Secondary).

Please be aware of the notice that was send home to all players this week regarding term 3 sports trials – Boys are only able to trial and play 1x AIC team sport per term, choosing from Basketball, Rugby League and Tennis for term 3. Boys will be able to participate in one of the above sports and Track & Field simultaneously. Decisions surrounding this selection must be made ASAP and communicated to the relevant sport coordinator.

AIC Basketball is a capped sport, meaning as a school we are only able to enter 4x teams per year level, approximately 40 boys per grade. Unfortunately, this means some boys will miss out on playing AIC Basketball in term 3. Those boys who do miss out will have an opportunity to play internal basketball on Friday afternoons throughout term 3, more information regarding this opportunity will become available at the start of next term!

Following this weekend’s internal round of trial matches, cuts will be made to squads, with approximately 40 boys named to continue trials for AIC teams at the start of term 3, boys who are currently injured will be named in these squads to trial when healthy in term 3. Final cuts to teams will be made where necessary and communicated to players, parents and caregivers following our AIC Trial Round vs Padua College on 17th and 18th July.

Please see below the trial session schedule for this week.