Sport Bulletin – Issue 2, 13th March 2026

Sports Bulletin
03/13/2026

Sport Bulletin – Issue 2, 13th March 2026

Director of Sport Address

Villa Sport continues to build strong momentum across the College. This week in our GREATS framework, the focus is Service. In sport, service means putting the team first, supporting those around you and contributing positively to the culture of the group.

Throughout the term we have seen many examples of this across our programs – teammates encouraging one another, coaches giving their time to support student development, and families helping make early morning training and weekend competition possible. Sport is strongest when people are prepared to serve something greater than themselves.

The legendary boxer Muhammad Ali once said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” That idea resonates strongly within Villa Sport. When a player lifts a teammate, sets the tone at training or represents Villanova College with humility, he is serving the team and the wider community.

Our swimmers demonstrated this spirit superbly at the AIC Swimming Championships at Chandler Aquatic Centre. After two terms of early morning preparation, the squad represented the College with pride and determination. Villanova finished 5th in the Primary Aggregate and 3rd in the Secondary Aggregate, with several races decided by the touch pad. A standout moment saw our 16 & Under relay team claim victory in the final seconds, a result that reflected the resilience and commitment of the entire squad.

Equally important has been the support behind the scenes. Thank you to Head Coach Alberto, Coaches Troy and Lachie, our supporting staff and the many parents who contributed across the season. Early morning transport, Friday afternoon meets and assistance with the BBQ alongside our partnership with Brisbane Jets Swimming Club and Langlands Park Memorial Public Pool all demonstrate the spirit of service within the Villa community.

Across our other Term 1 sports, the effort and progress remain encouraging. In AFL, the 6A, 6B and 6C teams remain undefeated. In Cricket, several teams remain undefeated, including the Second XI, 6A and 6C teams. In Volleyball, the 8D team remains undefeated.

As we move into another important round of fixtures against Marist College Ashgrove, the message to our students remains clear. Prepare well. Support your teammates. Represent Villanova College with humility.

When individuals choose to serve their team and contribute to the collective effort, standards rise and culture strengthens.
Because at Villa Sport we believe something simple but powerful: We can win, and we will grow.

Go Villa! 💚💛

Mr Matthew Hannan, Director of Sport

AIC Sport

Contact List
For information about a specific sport, please first visit the Locker Room page on our website. If you require further clarification, please contact the relevant Sport Coordinator, listed below. Until coach contacts become available online, please report training or game absences directly to the Sport Coordinator and relevant coach; available on Parent Lounge and Student Café.

Trimester 1 Sports Coordinators
AFL Coordinator (Monday to Friday) – Brendon Brauer (brendon.brauer@vnc.qld.edu.au)
AFL Coordinator (Saturday) – Chris Paterson (cpaterson@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Cricket Coordinator – Nathan Dufty (ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Swimming Coordinators – Julie Colbert (jcolbert@vnc.qld.edu.au) & Lauren Robinson (lauren.robinson@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Volleyball Coordinator – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au)

Sport Office Administration
Sports Administrators – Nathan Dufty (ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au) and Maria Mascadri (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday) only: mmascadri@vnc.qld.edu.au)
AIC Sports Leader – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Central Sharks District Sport – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au) and Anthony Kemp (AKemp@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Assistant Director of Sport – Anthony Kemp (AKemp@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Director of Sport – Matthew Hannan (matthew.hannan@vnc.qld.edu.au)

Trimester 2 Sports Coordinators
Chess Coordinator – Kath Underhill (kunderhill@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Cross Country Coordinator – Brian Pascoe (bpascoe@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Football Coordinator – Nathan Dufty (ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Rugby Union Coordinator – Chris Everding (ceverding@vnc.qld.edu.au)

Trimester 3 Sports Coordinators
Basketball Coordinator – Sharon Casey (sharon.casey@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Golf Coordinator – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Rugby League Coordinator – Todd Kropp (tkropp@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Tennis Coordinator – Nathan Dufty (ndufty@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Track & Field Coordinator – Andrew Lund (andrew.lund@vnc.qld.edu.au)

Term 4
Touch Football Coordinator – Sports Office staff – (SportsOffice@vnc.qld.edu.au)
Water Polo Coordinator – Lauren Robinson (lauren.robinson@vnc.qld.edu.au)

AFL Update

AFL Report
Round 5 Results – Villanova vs St Peter’s Lutheran College and Ambrose Treacy College
Villanova College had a solid Round 5, recording 9 wins from 14 matches. With fixtures split across two opponents, St Peter’s Lutheran College and Ambrose Treacy College, the character and depth of our program was again on show across all age groups.

The standout story of the season continues to be our Year 6 sides. The 6A, 6B, and 6C teams all remain undefeated through five rounds of AIC competition, a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about the character and cohesion of these young men. The 7A side, last year’s premiers, also remains in strong contention as the season progresses.

Among the Opens sides, the Second XVIII recorded a pleasing win over St Peter’s Lutheran College, while the 10A team picked up a points win via forfeit. Unfortunately, the First XVIII’s fixture was cancelled. Both the First and Second XVIII will be eager to put in a strong performance when they take the field in Round 6.

Round 6 Preview – Villanova vs Marist College Ashgrove
Villanova College now turns its attention to Round 6 and a crucial contest against Marist College Ashgrove. With a number of our sides firmly in the hunt for AIC premiership honours, the stakes this weekend could not be higher. Our undefeated Year 6 teams, the in-form 9A, and the Opens sides all have a great deal to play for and a strong round could go a long way to shaping our premiership destiny.

Key Fixture
The First XVIII and Second XVIII will take centre stage in a home fixture on Friday, March 13. This is a wonderful opportunity for the entire Villanova community to come out and get behind the Opens sides as they look to build on their strong season record.

Saturday Fixtures
All Year 5–10 sides will be on the road on Saturday, 14 March, across various venues. Please check the draw for your team’s specific venue and timing and make the effort to attend and support our teams.

With premiership glory within reach for several of our sides, your support this weekend means everything. Good luck to all teams.

Mr Brendon Brauer, AFL Coordinator (Monday to Friday), Mr Chris Paterson, AFL Coordinator (Saturday) and Mr Hershelle Classen, Years 5-8 Junior AFL Coordinator

Cricket Update

I have been based at Villa Park each Saturday, and it has been very enjoyable to see some exciting Cricket clashes across the last couple of rounds of AIC Cricket against both Iona College and St Peters College. Thanks again to all our coaches for their hard work at mid-week training and at our Saturday fixtures, it has been very pleasing to see all our 24 Cricket teams out on the field playing some fun and exciting Cricket, whilst having plenty of fun with their mates. While overall participation numbers have been impacted by growth in other AIC sports, I am extremely proud of the enthusiasm and standards shown across our Cricket program. Whilst plenty of great team results have been shown across our various venues, I would like to highlight the following individual achievements across the last few weeks, with all three students having the prestigious honour of being presented with a baggy cap and having the proud honour of representing our First XI Cricket team.

Henry M (1st XI Cricket – Cap #516)

Darcy M (1st XI Cricket – Cap #517)

Aarav G (1st XI Cricket – Cap #518)

Can I please remind all students and parents to make sure that they carefully check the weekly draw and updated team lists, last week we still had several students turn up to the venue either just before or after the match had started, which then left some of our teams starting the match short of players. Both the draw and team lists will be updated weekly in ‘Parent Lounge’ and on the ‘Locker Room’ section of the website by no later than Thursday evening.

This week, Villanova faces Marist College Ashgrove who typically have the strongest program in AIC Cricket. They have set the standard for many years on playing a tough, but also fair brand of Cricket with them having great results against our teams across the last few seasons. I kindly ask all players to try and find that extra 10% effort both at training and on Saturday for the upcoming round against Marist College Ashgrove, be that player that motivates your teammates to follow you and if every player turns up with the right attitude and willingness to compete this Saturday, I’m sure that positive results will happen throughout each cohort.

Good luck to all Villanova sporting teams for your upcoming Round 6 matches against Marist College Ashgrove.

Mr Nathan Dufty, Cricket Coordinator

Rugby Union Update

Pre-season sessions Ben Mowen and Andrew Slack squad members
All Rugby players in the Ben Mowen and Andrew Slack squad will continue with gym and field sessions until the end of week 8. For the final two weeks of term, only gym sessions will continue. The current arrangement for field sessions will change to Villa Park on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

Rugby coaches and referees needed for the 2026 season
If there are any parents or guardians who wish to nominate to be Rugby coaches or referees next term, please contact the Sports Office for details. We are particularly in need of coaches for the Year 5 and 7 age groups. Recent coaching experience is essential along with a Smart Rugby Qualification. Referees are needed to officiate games, and we are currently down on our pool of student and parent referees. If you have referee qualifications and can assist on Saturdays around your son’s game, please contact the Sports Office and leave your details.

AIC Rugby Training
The first training/trial session will occur the very first week after Round 7 of Cricket, AFL and Volleyball. That is, the week beginning Monday 23rd March.

Training times and venues for all Year 5–12 Rugby teams are listed below. All Year 5 and 6 teams will train at Little Langlands or Whinstanes. Year 7-12 teams will train at Villa Park. The College will provide bus transportation to Villa Park for all teams. Parents are required to collect their son from Villa Park after training. There will be no return bus service from Villa Park.

The schedules below will apply throughout the season. Some Years 5 and 6 training times could change depending on the coach’s availability, however we will endeavour to keep to the schedule below.

Rugby Training Times and venues

Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 and Opens at Villa Park 3.45-5.15pm, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

Year 5 at Little Langlands, Tuesday afternoon 3.20pm-4.45pm and Thursday mornings 6.45-8.00am.

Year 6 at Little Langlands, Tuesday mornings 6.45am-8.00am and Thursday afternoons 3.20pm-4.45pm.

Please note: The team coaches for this year will be in attendance at all sessions and will work on core drills for scrummaging, defence and ball handling during week 9 and 10. All students will be trialled across a number of skill areas and then placed into trial teams. Boys can move from team to team throughout the season based on attitude, behaviour, skill level, attendance at training and sportsmanship. These sessions will enable the coaches to gauge players and be better prepared for the start of the season. The scrummaging sessions will be essential for all players as they prepare for the Rugby season. Players will be required to bring any team jersey, mouthguard (compulsory to train and play) and boots for each session. We would encourage players not to wear the Villa Rugby jersey to training.

Divisions and selections
Please see the divisions below. Note in each division the players will be graded from A, B, C etc. Opens will be graded from 1st, 2nds, 3rds etc. All players who trial will be placed into a team and must purchase the Villa Rugby jersey, shorts and socks, prior to the internal trials on the 28th March.

Rugby Divisions: Year 5, Year 6, Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10, Opens

AIC Rugby Trial Games – Date Claimers 

Tuesday 24th and Thursday 26th March, Rugby training/trials begin at Villa Park for all Year 7-12 teams. Year 5 and 6 teams will trial at Little Langlands.

Tuesday 24th March. Trial for 2nd XV against Ormiston College 1st XV. Kick off at 4.15pm at Villa Park.

Sat 28th March. Internal AIC Rugby trials at Villa Park for all year levels.

Sat 28th March. 1st XV, 2nd XV, 10A, 9A and 8A squads will have a Rugby trial v Iona at Villa Park. Times to be confirmed.

Sat 25th April Trial v Marist College Ashgrove. This will be a full school trial. As this is ANZAC Day, all trials will begin after 12pm. Schedule to be confirmed.

Sat 4th May Round 1 – Sat 13th June Round 7 as per College Calendar.

Easter Rugby Union Skills Camp (15–16 April)
Registrations will open on Parent Lounge next Tuesday, March 17 for the Villanova Rugby Union Easter Holiday Skills Camp, open to students from Years 5–12 (excluding First XV squad members).

This is a great opportunity for players to develop their Rugby skills, improve game awareness and build confidence on the field in a fun and supportive environment. Sessions will include skill development, decision making and small sided games, delivered by Villanova Rugby Union lead coaches alongside experienced specialist external coaches.

Camp Details
Date: Wednesday, 15 April – Thursday, 16 April
Time: 8:00am – 11:00am
Venue: Villa Park, Manly Road

Cost
One day – $70
Two days – $120

Registrations close Thursday, April 2, with limited places available.
A Squad trial match against an opposition school on Friday, April 17 is also being explored, with confirmation to be provided in the coming fortnight.

Football Update

The first Football training and trial sessions for the upcoming AIC Football season will commence in Week 9, beginning Monday 23 March, following the conclusion of Round 7 for Cricket, AFL and Volleyball.
All students interested in representing the College in Football are encouraged to attend the sessions listed below. These initial sessions will allow coaches to assess players and begin the team selection process ahead of the season.

Football Training Times and Venues

Year 7, Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 and Opens at Villa Park, Monday and Wednesday afternoons (trial sessions) 3.45–5.15pm.

Year 5 at Little Langlands, Monday afternoon 3.15pm–4.30pm and Wednesday morning 6.45–8.00am.

Year 6 at Little Langlands, Monday morning 6.45–8.00am and Wednesday afternoon 3.15pm–4.30pm.

*Please note that the 1st XI and 10A teams will move to a Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning schedule from Term 2 – more about this will be communicated to players and families.

Venues and Transport
Year 7–Opens sessions will be conducted at Villa Park. The College will provide bus transport to Villa Park for students after school. Parents are asked to collect their sons from Villa Park following the session, as there will be no return bus service to the College.
Year 5 and 6 sessions will be conducted at Little Langlands, and parents are asked to collect their sons at the conclusion of afternoon sessions.

Selections and Trials
During the first few weeks of training, coaches will observe players across a range of activities including technical skill, game awareness, teamwork and attitude. These sessions will assist coaches in placing students into appropriate teams for the season.
Players may move between teams during the trial period as coaches finalise selections. All students who attend trials will be placed into a team.
Students are asked to attend training in appropriate Football training gear and bring boots, shin pads and a water bottle to each session.

Easter Football Skills Camp (15–17 April)
The Sports Office invites all interested students from Years 5–12 (excluding 1sts squad members) to participate in the upcoming Football Easter Holiday Skills Camp.

This camp is open to players of all ability levels and will provide an excellent opportunity for students to further develop their Football skills in a fun and supportive environment. Sessions will focus on skill development, game awareness and small-sided activities designed to maximise involvement and enjoyment.

Specialist Coaching
We are pleased to advise that Pro-Player Football coaches will be delivering the sessions across the three days. Pro-Player coaches bring a wealth of experience in player development and will work closely with our students to improve technical ability, decision-making and confidence on the field.

Camp Details
Date: Wednesday 15 April – Friday 17 April
Time: 8:00am – 11:00am (each day)
Venue: Villa Park, Manly Road

Cost
Two-day option – $160
Three-day option – $225
(Payable via Parent Lounge from next Tuesday, March 17)

Uniform
Sport-specific clothing including boots or playing shoes, sunscreen, hat and water bottle. Students are welcome to wear Villa sports uniform or casual sports clothes.
Further information regarding registration and payment will be shared with families shortly. We look forward to seeing many of our students involved in what will be a great opportunity to develop their Football skills during the Easter break.

Sport Department Reminders / Specialised Services / Regional and External Sports

Wet Weather Cancellations
If there is any reason to cancel training sessions or weekend games, this information will be posted to the Villanova College phone application in the Notices section. Please ensure you have downloaded the Villanova College Application and updated your preferences and settings.

Strength and Conditioning – Rehab and Return to Play
The season is now halfway, and managing injuries is important, especially for those who will be playing in Term 2 sports.
When injuries occur, the most important factor in a successful recovery is clear communication between the athlete, the physiotherapist and the Strength and Conditioning team.
At Villanova, our goal is to manage injuries through a coordinated return-to-play process, where training can continue in a modified and structured way rather than stopping completely.

All injured athletes from First Team sports are encouraged to attend the Monday Rehab Class. These sessions allow our S&C coaches to:

Keep athletes active withappropriate trainingmodifications
Maintainstrength and physical qualities during recovery
Progress athletes safely back towards full training and competition

Just as importantly, these sessions help us stay aligned with the medical management of the injury.

If an athlete is seeing a physiotherapist outside of the School Physio (Bridie Nicholson), we strongly encourage families to ensure that communication is shared with the S&C team. When physios and S&C coaches work together, we can structure training loads, progressions and return-to-play timelines much more effectively.

This collaborative approach has been used very successfully within our First XV Rugby program, where consistent communication between medical staff and S&C has helped athletes return to the field safely and perform at their best. Our aim is to apply the same standard across all First Team sports.

Strength training remains a key part of both injury prevention and rehabilitation. Sports such as Rugby, AFL, Football and Cricket place high physical demands on the body through sprinting, collisions, repeated efforts and changes of direction. A well-structured S&C program helps athletes tolerate these stresses and build long-term resilience.

Our S&C staff are here to support athletes throughout the entire process.

Train smart. Stay consistent. Return stronger.

Mr Marco Mastrorocco, S&C Coordinator, Villanova College
Athletix – Human & Sports Performance

Regional Sport
In 2026, there have been some updates made to the School Sport Representative pathway. Villanova College now joins the Central Sharks district (former Composite & Lytton) for 10-19 Years Sport.
Further information can be found on the Locker Room page including a current list of eligible sports. Eligible sports will be communicated via the Sports Bulletin and Morning Notices only.

Central Sharks trial information (former Met East/Central): Paperwork for the following sports is now available from the Sports Office (located in Goold Hall). Nominations returned after the due date will not be submitted.

Sport	Age Group	Nominations due back to the Sports Office
Tennis	10 – 12	Friday 20 March
Baseball	12 – 14	Friday 27 March

Mr Todd Kropp, Regional Sport Coordinator

Villanova College

Sport Bulletin – Issue 2, 13th March 2026

Sport Bulletin – Issue 2, 13th March 2026

Share This

2026 Open Day