Sport News

As our Term 1 sports have now come to a conclusion I want to thank everyone for their efforts. It has been another challenging term in dealing with issues outside our control, including COVID-19 again and floods. The last few weeks have been particularly challenging with large numbers of boys, coaches and staff isolating. I thank everyone for their patience and understanding. We were in constant communication with St Patrick's College last week, who were in a similar position as ourselves, and our view was that, regardless of the number of boys absent we were going to play and make a game out of the situation the best we could. This was preferred to cancelling games again as the boys have missed enough already.

Thank you to our co-ordinators Mr Gillett (AFL), Mr Reid (Cricket), Mr Knight (Volleyball) and Mr Boyce and Mrs Baillie (Swimming) for your leadership, passion for your sport and commitment to the College. I would like to thank all the external coaches, staff and Old Boys who have given up their own time to coach, manage, support and supervise boys across a range of activities this term. As a coach and a teacher I like this quote by legendary basketball coach John Wooden “as a coach, it's easy to lose sight of what is truly important. It's not about the X's and O's. It's not about winning. It's not even about putting the ball in the basket or teaching fundamentals. The most important thing is to teach players about life. Teach them how to be happy and successful. Teach them how to be a good friend and teammate. Teach them how to live with integrity and confidence.” This sums up for me why schools play sport. Thank you again for your efforts in mentoring, guiding and supporting our young men through the co-curricular program. Boys, if you have not done so already, thank you coaches as you see them around the campus. Thank you also to our grounds staff, led by Mr Callum Clark, who did an amazing job in getting our fields ready to play each week, especially after the flood. Thank you to the parents and supporters who give up your time to drive across Brisbane and let the boys play sport.

I want to also congratulate our first teams on great season. It was a pleasure to spend my time on the weekends watching the AFL boys on Friday nights and volleyball and cricket on Saturdays. I was impressed with the level of ability on display, but even more impressed with the grace, humility and respect the boys showed. I was so proud of the First XI boys on Saturday who lost a nail-bitter on the last ball to drop from first to second. Despite the obvious disappointment they were going through live in the moment, they were able to compose themselves and show respect for their opponent by shaking hands and congratulating them on the win. That is a reflection of the men they are becoming and what we want to see from all our teams.

On behalf of the College I want to extend my sincerest thank you to Mr Pat Howard and the group of Old Boys who volunteered to pass on their substantial rugby knowledge to our boys. It was a rich learning experience for the boys involved and I expect it will impact most positively on their rugby next term. 

Cricket – Mr Mitch Reid (Co-ordinator)

Saturday saw the conclusion of the AIC cricket season, with the College taking on St Patrick’s College in Round 7. Our 1st XI who were playing for the AIC premiership unfortunately fell short against a strong St Pats team. Chasing 185 for victory, the team managed 180 in reply. Although this was a disappointing way to finish the year, I would like to congratulate all players for their outstanding season and the way they represented the College. For our Year 12 students who played their last game of cricket for Marist, I know it was a frustrating season missing a number of games but the leadership shown to the younger members of the team was fantastic and will place the group in a great position for future seasons. 

Thank all students and parents for their involvement and commitment to the Marist College cricket program. There were many disruptions to the Term, which made for a difficult season but I hope that all students who played cricket this Term found enjoyment and pride representing the College and building friendships outside the classroom. With 36 teams across Year 5-12 the program requires a lot of hard work from many people. To our coaches and year level coordinators, thank your efforts across Term 4 and 1 with selected teams, developing training plans and doing everything required on a Saturday (ground setup, coaching, umpiring and scoring). A special mention to Marist College sport staff Mr Derek Lennon, Mr John Lambourne and Mr Corey Lucas for their support of the program and to Mr Callum Clark and ground staff for their tireless work to provide the students with the best playing facilities across all AIC schools.  

I wish all cricket students the best of luck for their winter sports and hope to see them return to the cricket program for another big season in 2023. 

AFL – Mr Brett Gillett (Co-ordinator)

Thank you to all the coaches, managers, boys and parents for this AIC AFL season. It was an enormous effort to have all the boys participate this year and the communities ability to pivot and allow for the changes to the program due to weather and illness is to be commended.

This year we had close to 200 players in the MCA AFL program and 21 coaches, Thank you also must go to the Sports and Fields department at Marist College Ashgrove in Mr Lambourne, Mr Lennon, Mr Reid, Mr Clark and Mr Lucas for their organisation and behind the scenes work over the past two terms. Your assistance never goes unnoticed and is always appreciated.

This year only the 1st XVIII had the ability to win a Premiership but I think we are all winners in getting teams on the fields each week and the cooperation between the competing schools to ensure the games went on was truly appreciated and is truly in the spirit od AIC sport.

We hope all the boys and parents enjoyed their MCA AFL experience in 2022 and are counting down the days till AIC AFL 2023.

1st XVIII

Last game of the season for 1sts AFL and a very keen squad of 26 were ready to give their best in the Marist guernsey at Hickey Park. Some inaccurate kicking had MCA goalless at quarter time but O’Connell, M Wood and N Rosenbrook brought the team back in the 2nd quarter, with goal sneak Mahony outstanding kicking 3 majors in one quarter to put us in front at halftime. The last half virtually went goal for goal with defenders Weaver, Warren and Ford rebounding superbly. Enter the last quarter and scores were tied in the last minute when 45m out George Wood soared and took a huge pack mark, followed by a 50m penalty and he thus sealed a magnificent Marist win. Big thanks from all the players to Mr Johns, Mrs Smith, Mr Gillett and Mr Morgan Smith for all their efforts for the 2022 season.

Year 10

The team was challenged in their last game to share the footy and they sure did their job with 11 different goal scorers. 28 scoring shots for the game with shortened quarters a fine effort. Many four-quarter efforts and especially pleasing to see the Year 9s getting plenty of the footy in Xavier H, Van S, Max H, Oliver R, Jake C, Liam R and James M. Captains Ben Caughley and Tom Howard again outstanding running non-stop all game to get the ball forward. Other excellent players on the big Sandgate oval were Rory O, Will Mc, Dan G, Jacob H, Tom and Jackson W. A special shout out to Jake “Milky” Mitchell for supporting the team with interchanges and water throughout the year. Old Boy and former MCA Sportsman of the year Andrae Mackay was instrumental in this group being very fit and with ever-improving skills. There were 30 players who represented the 9/10s in this excellent undefeated season which gives great hope for 1sts AFL next year.

Year 8

The final round of the AIC AFL season is done and dusted for 2022. For Round 7 v St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe the Year 8 playing group was decimated due to illness and injury. Not how we had hoped to finish a wildly interrupted season. Given the significant challenge the boys demonstrated exceptional resilience. MCA kicked the first goal within a few minutes of the first quarter and were not headed until early in the fourth. The effort of the first three quarters left only fumes in the tank with St Pat’s taking full advantage to run out victors. Given the circumstances the performance was outstanding. The boys did themselves and the College proud - well done.

Year 7B

A tough one to swallow for the 7B's this weekend, going down by a point in a hard-fought game against St. Pats. The boys has chances to hit the scoreboard but ultimately couldn't get over the line in their second game of the season. Hard running and tackling pressure in the midfield laid the foundation for what was a very solid performance, however, despite the final result. Plenty of potential in this group to move forward and develop their footy skills even further. 

Tennis – Mr Andrew Ward (Co-ordinator)

What’s on at the courts.

Last Friday we saw a good turnout for stage 1 of Opens trials. A reminder for those who want to be considered for selection into our 1st and 2nd teams that we have our last trial this Friday 6:00pm - 7.30pm.  Year 11 students are reminded that there is no Year 11 team this season and these students are eligible for all the open teams. Get down there boys and try out for one of the 10 spots that we are offering for Term 2 free with 2 coaches overseeing all sessions. Good luck.

We are also taking bookings for Term 2 Squad and group coaching at the moment. Please get in early to avoid disappointment as classes will fill quickly and once full we will no longer be able to take new enrolments. Term 2 coaching for squads will run from Week 1-8 Term 2. Group coaching will run the entire term; Week 1-10. All bookings can be made by: MCATennis@marash.qld.edu.au; 0437 449 523. See you on the courts.

Football – Mr Derek Lennon (Co-ordinator)

Football Registrations and Trials

Saturday’s internal trials will be the last opportunity for boys who are not already registered to nominate to play football this year. Any nominations after this date will only be accepted if there is already a position available in the program. We will be nominating team numbers to AIC next week.

Trials for AIC teams start this Saturday 26 March on Cameron Oval and Des Connor Fields 5 and 6. We recognise that a number of boys are off school at the moment, and this may continue for a period of time. The coaching staff will consider all players and make adjustments to team through until Round 1, and selections during the season are week to week, based on ability, performance, effort and balance of teams. 

• All players to arrive 15 minutes before the start time.
• All players will need to check in with the Year Co-ordinator at the start and will receive instructions.
• All players to wear Marist College Ashgrove playing kit, must have boots and shin pads to trial.

Trial Round v Padua and St Laurence’s - 2 April

Selected A-C (Fifths in Opens) teams will be involved in trial matches on Saturday 2 April v Padua College and St Laurence’s College. Details including selected team lists will be on the College App when available. 

Rugby Union – Mr Bryan Rademeyer (Co-ordinator)

Saturday’s internal trials will be the last opportunity for boys who are not already registered to nominate to play rugby this year. Any nominations after this date will only be accepted if there is already a position available in the program. We will be nominating team numbers to AIC next week.

Trials for rugby teams have started this week and will continue on Saturday and next week. Players should ensure that they attend trials with Marist rugby jersey, shorts and socks, boots and mouth guards. Please bring a SPARE jersey, of any colour, if you have to assist with team jerseys.

All players to arrive at least 30 mins prior to game time OR when your coach has requested.

Rugby Union jerseys are now available for purchase from the shop.  Rugby families who purchased one of last year’s jerseys can return that jersey for a 50% discount on one of the new ones. (You can continue wearing last year’s jersey this year should they wish.)

Trial Round v Padua and St Laurence’s- 2 April

Selected A-C (Fifths in Opens) teams will be involved in trial matches on Saturday 2 April v Padua College and St Laurence’s College. Details including selected team lists will be on the College App when available. 

Term 1 Sport Results

AFL

Cricket

Volleyball

Sport Canteen

The finish line is in sight for Term 1 Sports Canteens.

Just one more lap this Saturday. Please put your name in the signup if this weekend can work for you. We are asking for assistance from all year levels.

Grandstand SignUp Link