Over six incredible days of competition, the OHA Aerobics Club once again displayed its strength, spirit and unity at the FISAF National Championships, held in the final week of August. This year marked a significant milestone, our second season entering the International Division, competing not only for national titles but also for qualification to the World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic.  

The level of competition was fierce, with some of Australia’s best athletes taking the floor alongside international contenders. Despite the intensity, our OHA athletes rose to the challenge, bringing home a silver, a bronze, a fifth place and an eighth place. This was a phenomenal effort from all involved.  

A standout moment of the event was the remarkable comeback of Kenji Fujihara, who returned to Aerobics this year after time away from the sport. Kenji’s determination, discipline, and passion were truly inspiring, earning him qualification for the 2025 World Championships in Prague. His journey back to the stage has been nothing short of extraordinary and serves as a reminder of the resilience and heart that defines the OHA Aerobics community.  

A special mention also goes to Chelsea Armstrong, who stepped into the Adult International Fitness Team (Rouge) after a team member sustained an MCL injury. Chelsea’s ability to adapt and perform at such a high level under pressure was exceptional, demonstrating her incredible commitment and team spirit. We were also thrilled to see Annie, who suffered that injury, make a courageous return at Nationals, performing in the Adult International Trio (Supernova), an outstanding achievement in itself.  

Our Adult National Fitness Team (Get Low) continues to impress, achieving back-to-back top five finishes and setting the foundation for what promises to be an even stronger 2026 season.  

As the curtain closes on an incredible year, the OHA Aerobics Club looks forward to an exciting 2026 season, especially with the World Championships set to be held in New Zealand. The passion, camaraderie and perseverance of our athletes continues to make OHA Aerobics a true powerhouse in the sport.  

OH members for the 2025 season

Jessie Curtain (OH 2014) – Adult International Fitness Team (Rouge) and Adult Trio (Supernova) 
Olivia Jenkins (OH 2016) – Adult International Fitness Team (Rouge) and Adult Trio (Supernova) 
Ash Stafford (OH 2016) – Adult National Fitness Team (Get Low) 
Taylah Miranda (OH 2017) – Adult National Fitness Team (Get Low) 
Emma Broadbent (OH 2019) – Adult International Fitness Team (Rouge) 
Amy McCulloch (OH 2020) – Adult National Fitness Team (Get Low) 
Tara Traficante (OH 2022) – Adult National Fitness Team (Get Low) 
Ashlyn (Current Haileybury Year 11 student) – Adult International Fitness Team (Rouge) 
Chelsea (Current Haileybury Year 11 student) – Adult International Fitness Team (Rouge) 
Kenji Fujihara (OH 2013) – Adult International Singles Male  

Non-OHA members for the 2025 Season

Annabelle Stray – Adult Trio (Supernova)  
Sarah DeGregorio – Adult National Fitness Team (Get Low)  

Jessie Curtain (OH 2014)  

The Old Haileybury Cricket Club had a successful season in 2024/2025 with each of its two teams winning premiership and one of those premierships being for Division One.   

The 2025/2026 season started in October with the Club fielding three teams (one more than last season) in the MCC Club XI Competition. The Club is always happy to welcome new players and would like to acknowledge the hard work of the captain of its first team, Vinay Lakshman (2012), over many seasons including the current season.  

Pete Sise (OH 2000)

A season of progress, and a new era ahead for OHAFC  

2025 was a year of growth, resilience and transition for the Old Haileyburians Amateur Football Club, both on and off the field.  

At the heart of our club’s continued strength is our vibrant community. The incredible commitment from our volunteers, members and corporate partners remains the cornerstone of everything we do. From running the canteen and assisting with game-day logistics to supporting our players behind the scenes, their dedication ensures the OHAFC remains a place to belong, to grow and to thrive.  

A special thank you to the OHA for their outstanding and ongoing support of our football club. We are proud to share such a strong and close relationship, and one that continues to grow each year. Their commitment, guidance and generosity have been instrumental in helping us build the vibrant and connected community we value so deeply.  

Our committee has again demonstrated unwavering leadership and professionalism. While we bid farewell to Isabella Scaunich, whose work in social media and communications elevated the club’s presence, we are proud that the remainder of our committee will return in 2026, which is a testament to the strong foundations we continue to build, and I thank them for their ongoing support.    

On the field, 2025 marked a proud return to VAFA Premier A Division for our Senior Men’s team. Competitive throughout the year and contending for finals, the group showed they belong at the top level. While we ultimately fell just short of winning in September, the standard was set, and the belief is strong. We extend our heartfelt thanks to outgoing Senior Coach Daniel Ward, who departs to take up an exciting opportunity as the head coach of Sandringham’s VFL program. Wardy leaves a lasting legacy, and we thank him for his outstanding contribution to our club.  

Supporting Wardy were assistant coaches Dave Connell, Brett Lynch and Brede Seccull, whose energy and commitment throughout the season were invaluable.  

Our Development side took meaningful steps forward under the guidance and leadership of David Connell, despite some mid-season challenges. A strong finish and a clear trajectory have everyone excited about what is ahead. Meanwhile, our Hearts women’s team continued to inspire in 2025 under the guidance of David Lappage, Paul Zahra and Liam Stocker. They are young, spirited and developing fast, and we look forward to their continued progress.  

In the Under 19s, we saw a terrific campaign, culminating in a finals win and a glimpse of the talent coming through the ranks. Led by Anthony Wright in his first year as head coach, supported by Luke Hardeman, this group represents the exciting future of our men’s program.  

Importantly, the continuity of our coaching team remains a strength. We are thrilled that Dave Connell, Anthony Wright and David Lappage will all return to lead their respective programs in 2026. We also extend our deep thanks to Director of Coaching Shane Watson, whose guidance across all levels continues to drive alignment, development and culture.  

And now, as we look to the future, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of Guy Martyn as our new Senior Men’s Head Coach.  

Guy brings an exceptional coaching pedigree to the role, having led multiple VAFA premiership campaigns, including a recent Premier A division premiership. His experience, leadership and passion for developing young talent make him the perfect fit to take the reins of our ambitious senior men’s program. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the OHAFC, and we can’t wait to see where his vision and expertise take us.  

With stability across our football department, a committed and united off-field team, and the arrival of a proven leader in Guy Martyn, the future for the Bloods looks incredibly bright.   

Finally, we look forward to welcoming all Year 12 school leavers as they take the next step in their football journey. We encourage every departing Year 12 footballer to see the OHAFC as their home, a club where they can stay connected, continue playing alongside their mates, and build something special together. Graduation should not mark the end, but rather the beginning of an exciting new chapter playing senior football, forming lifelong friendships and creating memories that will last well beyond the final siren. We welcome all boys and girls to join us in 2026.  

 Matthew Armstrong (OH 1988)  

Our women’s team in Women’s Metro 1 South grade, which won the premiership in the grade last winter (2024), continued their good form in the 2025 winter season, finishing on top of the ladder by a big margin. Remarkably, the team had a goal difference of 62 goals, with only six goals scored against. The team missed out on the premiership though, being defeated by the strong Mentone team in the Grand Final.  Nevertheless, a great season for the team. 

A special mention to the women’s team goalie, Lisa Cameron, who was returning to hockey after a long time away from the game.  If you are pondering a return, then ponder no more and come and join in the fun (plus the aching muscles after the unaccustomed efforts).  

The men’s team in Men’s Metro 2 South battled hard all season, with the occasional win and some draws, but always a great effort and even that feeling of success when the losing margin was not nearly as bad as it could have been. Our 4-3 loss to the eventual premiers, Dandenong, was one of the highlights of our season, when we played so well despite having only ten players on the field.  

Join in the excitement of hockey and come along to play or to support. New players of all ages and grades are most welcome, to keep our teams on the field.  Above all, we enjoy playing the game with our team mates!  Home matches are played on the School hockey fields at Keysborough.  

Get in touch with the hockey Bloods via the OHA website, the OHAHC website or email ohahockeyclub@gmail.com.  We’d love to hear from you!  

Clark Anstis (OH 1975)  

The Old Haileybury Bowls Club (OHBC) has kicked off 2025 with another historic occasion, fielding three teams in the SDELBA Tuesday night competition. Representing OHBC in teams in Divisions 2, 4 and 5 this is now a record number of teams since the club’s inception in 2021.  

Club membership is expanding and has risen to forty-five plus (a 25% increase this year) as more and more past students, teachers, staff and parents are enjoying the club’s expanding offerings. Twelve new members joined just this year and we welcome them all to OHBC. Social, fun and competitive bowls on a balmy night with the occasional libation is turning out to be a great way to connect with other fellow Haileybury and OHA alumni. 

2025 saw OHBC also expand its club championship events to not only include the traditional singles format but the introduction of pairs and triples events which was well received by members. All results are available on the OHBC website https://oha.org.au/oha-bowls-club/ or for members on the new Stack Team app it has adopted this year as the club grows. 

Championship winners, annual Most Valuable Players and Most Improved awards were all presented at the most recent AGM in April which was well attended. Scott Doran (OH 1984) (Secretary) was awarded the OHBC Award for Service. His contribution along with the OHBC committee and members that each week put into keep the club growing and evolving is truly appreciated. The monthly Bring a Friend BBQ and try bowls night, including Pete Jacob’s famous meat raffle, is gaining momentum in 2025, and has continued to attract a large number of new participants to the club and the game. 

Recently four members of the OHBC achieved something akin to getting a hole-in-one in golf. They scored an eight on a single end of bowls, which is like the perfect end, and most players never do it in their lifetime. Players included Jim Bonwick (OH 1967), Russell Davidson (OH 1986), Todd Hartley (OH 1988) and Andrew Bonwick (OH 1988).  

OHBC play out of Cheltenham Bowls Club and through the much-appreciated support of the OHA, are building an inclusive and enjoyable club for all alumni, staff and friends of Haileybury. Starting off is easy with free coaching, club bowls provided to try out, and full bowls gear provided at no cost with your complimentary first year bowls membership. It does not get any better than that. If anyone is interested in finding out more about having a go or simply joining in our monthly Bring a Friend night, please contact Mark Thompson (OH 1982) President 0407 040 715 or express interest via https://oha.org.au/.  

Mark Thompson (OH 1982)  

Following 18 months of growth of the Club, we returned to racing with a trip to Lake Weeroona for the annual Bendigo Sprint regatta on 18th October 2025. The Development squad of 12 rowers competed in six events across the day, with all crews gaining valuable experience. Five of the six crews competed in Finals. The Male C grade coxed Four finished second in the Final, Female C grade coxed Quad fourth in the Heat, Mixed Masters coxed Quad third in the Final, Mixed coxed Quad fourth in the Final and the Male Masters coxed Four finished fourth in the Final.   

In the Male C grade single scull Ben Reed (OH 2024) became the Club’s first Winner of any event, in taking out his Heat race. Ben went on to finish fourth in the Final. Ben’s school rowing was mainly as a cox. This included coxing Haileybury crews to wins in the Male B grade 4 and B grade 8 at the Australian Henley in 2022, Open Male Schools Quad at Head of Schoolboys and Head of the River as well as the U21 Quad at State Championships in 2023 and defending the Open Schoolboys Quad at the Head of the River in 2024. We look forward to Ben’s journey transitioning from cox to rower. In a nod to Haileybury rowing history, the boat Ben rowed was previously owned by Mr D.J. Thain, a coach of crews in the early days of the College rowing program.  

The squad plus some additional members are now looking forward to future regattas with the next likely event the Henley of Maribyrnong (Essendon R.C.) in early December.  

Anyone interested in getting involved in rowing are welcome to get in touch with the Club or join us on a Sunday morning.  

Paul Diggerson  

In 2026, we are launching the Old Haileybury Soccer Club, a new home for alumni and their mates to come together and play the game we love. With soccer’s growing popularity at Haileybury, there is a real opportunity to create something just as strong and connected as the Old Haileybury footy community. Whether you want to play competitively, enjoy a social kick, or simply be part of the club, there is a place for you.  

If this sounds like something you want to be part of, please complete the registration form, and let’s get started.  

The club will be looking for sponsors so if you would like to discuss, please contact Will Slade via oldhaileyburysc@gmail.com.  

Will Slade (OH 2020)