OGC sports news

Rowing: The Albert Bell Club

Stuart Olsen (OGC 1993), ABC President

The 2024/25 rowing season kicked off strongly, with pre-season training in full swing by mid-Term 3.

There was a noticeable lift in numbers - especially among the Year 8 girlsand the boathouse was buzzing. The energy and enthusiasm established last season by Director of Rowing, Andrew Richardson, carried through seamlessly.

Throughout the season, results on the water showed great promise. The senior girls’ crew performed strongly at Nationals, the Year 10 boys delivered impressive results, and many junior girls’ crews tasted success at both Head of the Schoolgirls’’ and Head of the River.

In mid-March, we marked a milestone: the 50th Anniversary Albert Bell Club Dinner, held in the College Dining Hall on the Friday night of the Head of the Schoolgirls’’ Regatta weekend. We welcomed a great turnout from the ‘05’ decade crews, including representatives from the 1985 1st IV, 1993 1st VIII, and 1965 1st VIII. Our guest speaker, Jean Mitchell, delivered an inspiring addresssharing her incredible story of Olympic success while overcoming cancer. The AGM was wrapped up quickly, with the re-election of the committee and the addition of Ted O’Malley as Secretary and Alex Robinson as a new committee member. Thanks to Jon Arrigo and Ally Fraser for their service. The night wrapped up with plenty of storytelling and nostalgia over past rowing glories.

The season concluded with the Boat Club’s end-of-season presentation at GMHBA Stadium. The evening featured award presentations

between courses, alongside some truly entertaining (and occasionally hilarious) senior crew videos. The event drew a strong crowd of students, parents, and coaches. I had the honour of presenting all Year 12 rowers with their boxed Albert Bell Club pin, and Albert Bell medallions to the Head of the River winning crews. The night also provided an opportunity to share the background of the David M. Caithness Award and announce its sixth-year recipients. I also promoted the Colin Carstairs Bell Pathway Rowing Bursariesapplications for which open later in 2025.

Still on the Staging

Congratulations to ABC members Angus Widdicombe (OGC 2012) and Charlie Batrouney (OGC 2018), part of Victoria’s winning King’s Cup crew, and to Alex Williams (OGC 2023), who won gold in the Youth VIII at Nationals. Oscar Tyrell (OGC 2022) also brought home a silver and bronze in the Open Lightweight VIII and U23 Lightweight Pair, respectively. Four of our current 1st VIII girls earned a bronze in the Schoolgirls’ Coxed Four - a fantastic result. It was a highly successful Nationals for both ABC and TGC rowers.

On the international stage, Charlie Rahdon (OGC 2022) rowed in the victorious Harvard Lightweight VIII during the Triangular Regatta against Princeton and Yale - marking Harvard’s first clean sweep in nearly a decade.

Several ABC members also competed at the Victorian Masters State Championships - another strong showing across the board.

Thank you to everyone who supported the Albert Bell Club this season - whether by attending events, volunteering, donating, or cheering on our crews. Your involvement makes a real difference, and we’re grateful.

Football & Netball: The Ammos Club

Geoff Williams (OGC 1987), Ammos Life Member & Senior Team Manager

Another local football/netball season closes with record player numbers and huge on and off-field success for the Geelong Amateur Football Club (AMMOS).

As the Geelong Amateur Football and Netball Club powers into season 2025, there’s a sense of momentum that’s hard to ignore. With 1,100 playing members across football and netball, the Ammos are thriving – and The Geelong College connection remains a vital thread in the Club’s fabric.

On the footy field, the senior men have come out of the blocks firing, winning their first five games under the leadership of new playing coach and former AFL player Sam Lloyd. With a list that includes a number of Old Collegians, the team is shaping up as a serious contender for finals.

Best and Fairest winner in 2016, 2017 and 2024, and member of the Ammos team of the decade, Blake Sutterby (OGC 2014) has seen both sides of the Ammos story – junior and senior. “Ammos has always felt like a second home,” he says. “From the players to coaches to volunteers, it’s just a great Club to play at.” After stints in the GFL, Sutterby has returned, pushing towards 100 games. “To see so many familiar faces after returning shows how special this place is.”

On the women’s side, the WAMMOS are flying solo this year, fielding one senior team playing both Saturday and night matches. The under-16 girls are in expert hands, coached by Club legends and past Best & Fairest winners Justin Andrews (OGC 1990) and Haami Williams (OGC 1990).

Junior football remains a powerhouse, with 17 boys’ teams and four girls’ teams, featuring a strong cohort of current TGC students – around 50 in total. The junior pipeline is thriving and ensures the Ammos will be competitive for years to come.

Netball is booming too. With 31 teams – 19 midweek and 12 on Saturdays – plus around 50 Net Set Go teams and Mini Pegasus sides for 7–8-yearolds, the Club’s courts are buzzing. Standout players include Louise Shaw (Year 12) and Zoey Shaw (OGC 2024) in A Grade, with Sophie Muhor (OGC 2024) starring in B Grade. Both teams remain undefeated – no small feat.

The Club’s centenary celebrations are looming in 2026, with a commemorative book currently in the works, and the Club is seeking memorabilia or records from yesteryear to include. There are two significant moments in a Club’s life –the first and the hundredth year. Few see both, but it’s something worth celebrating!

With strong ties to The Geelong College since its inception, Ammos continues to embody community spirit, tradition, and a fierce love of the game. Finals are firmly on the radar –and with this kind of depth and drive, the future looks very bright indeed.

Go Ammos!

For more info or to get involved, email: info@geelongamateur.com.au