Mid Season Reflection
21 June, 2026
A reflection on the first half of the season from our President, Andrew Kenneally
As we turn the corner of the season, it is a great time to reflect on what has been a fantastic first half of the year for the Collegians Football Club.
On the field, all five teams are enjoying strong seasons. Training numbers remain high, Thursday night dinners are buzzing, and the buy-in from players to the standards and expectations set by our coaches has been outstanding. The next month is traditionally one of the toughest periods of the season, with injuries, player availability challenges and the need to maintain motivation as the temperatures drop. With another bye in two weeks, our coaching groups will be focused on keeping momentum and energy high heading into the business end of the season.
Last Friday night, the club hosted the Wesley College First XVIII against Melbourne Grammar. In a terrific contest, Wesley held on for a thrilling one-point victory. This was followed by our Under 19 Men recording a strong win over Old Xaverians. The clubrooms were packed with parents, supporters and friends, creating a fantastic atmosphere and showcasing everything that makes Collegians special.
Off the field, we continue to build momentum. We have established the Collegians Foundation, led by Peter Harrison, which will officially launch in mid-August with our inaugural Business Breakfast. More details will be released soon, but this is an exciting initiative that will play a significant role in supporting the club's future.
We recently held our first Coterie Lunch at the Gardiner Hotel, thanks to our valued sponsor, Australian Venue Co. It was a terrific afternoon bringing together sponsors, supporters and coterie members. The recent Past Players Lunch was also an outstanding success, with more than 80 past players, officials and supporters enjoying an afternoon of stories, laughter and reconnecting with the Collegians community. A special thank you to Rosemary Nancarrow and her band of helpers for providing the famous Collegians fare that everyone enjoyed.
None of this happens without the incredible contribution of our volunteers. Thank you to everyone who gives their time to support the club from half-time lunches, Thursday night dinners, BBQs, canteen duties and timekeeping, to committee work and countless jobs behind the scenes. There are simply too many people to name individually, but Collegians is built on the efforts of many, and your contribution is genuinely appreciated.
Looking ahead, we are excited to host the 1961 Premiership Reunion at Harry Trott Oval, where we will celebrate a special chapter in the club's history and hear some wonderful stories over lunch at round 11 on July 4th.
The 1986 team are also celebrating their success 40 years ago with a dinner at the Gardiner Hotel on Wednesday July 15th. Please contact the club for more details (info@collegians.com.au)
We need to continue improving the presentation of our facilities and surrounds. I encourage everyone to support the Collegians Foundation's End of Financial Year Australian Sports Foundation tax-deductible fundraising campaign. Every contribution helps us invest in the future of our club and its facilities. Details about how to donate can be found here.
There is plenty to look forward to as the season progresses. Round 16 on Saturday 15 August promises to be one of the biggest days of the year, with both our Women's and Men's Senior teams playing in prime time at Harry Trott Oval, accompanied by a major club lunch. We will then close out the home-and-away season with the President's Raffle on Round 18, Saturday 29 August, which is always a fantastic afternoon and a fitting way to celebrate another memorable season at Collegians.
Thank you for your continued support of the Collegians Football Club. The second half of the season promises to be an exciting one, and we look forward to sharing it with our entire community.
Andrew Kenneally
Club President