Reserves Grand Final Recap and Photos

23 September, 2026

Collegians 9.13 (67) def. by Old Carey 10.8 (68)

Best Players:
Will Houghton, Tim van Twest, Herschel Waters, Cooper Brennan, Adam Celik, Jake Cotchin

Goal Kickers:
Sam Hibbins 2, Kobi George 1, Ben Hill 1, Arley Wilson 1, Will Houghton 1, Fergus Ekins 1, Luke Smith 1, Mario McKeown 1

A season to be proud of

The Reserves could almost pip the Seniors as the story of the year. Through no lack of effort, our Reserves have been the battling side in recent seasons, with selection and availability taking their toll and wins often few and far between.

This year, however, we saw the emergence of some exciting young talent taking the next step, guided by some of the Club’s most experienced figures.

Although Sunday didn’t end the way we had all hoped, this season represented a genuine shift in recent history. The Reserves were competitive in the majority of games and, despite significant changes in personnel throughout the year, remained committed to their game style and played a brand of football that was enjoyable for both the players and Collegians supporters.

Of the 22 players who took the field in the Grand Final, 15 have played senior football in the past four years. It’s an important statistic that highlights the growing depth within our Club and should hold us in good stead as we make the step into A Grade next season.

One contribution that deserves special recognition is that of the Hibbins family.

Firstly, Mark, who has coached almost every player to come through the Club over the past 20 years in some capacity, either at school or Collegians. As Brent Thiele said to me, “Mark Hibbins is the hardest, most invested worker I’ve seen in football.”

Whether it was reviewing opposition vision with Nick, helping players at the tribunal, doing handyman work around the rooms or simply being a brilliant source of knowledge for our players, Hibbo has been the strong figure our Reserves needed.

Then there is Sam, one of the most loyal Lions, who made his return this season. Inside the four walls on a Saturday, you could see the difference he made. Many may joke that it was a push for another Senior Men’s premiership, but his dedication and leadership should not be understated.

Sam has shown past and current players what it means to play for Collegians and that when your senior career ends, your time at the Club doesn’t have to — there will always be a place for you in one of our teams.

Congratulations to the Reserves on an outstanding season. We are all incredibly proud of what the group achieved and hope the steps taken this year have us well placed for A Grade Reserves football in 2027.

Photos below by Bruce Tobin.