Winter sport preview 2026
As we look ahead to the winter season, there is a strong sense of excitement and momentum across all Haileybury sports. A productive pre-season, strong participation numbers and a clear sense of purpose have set the tone for what promises to be another outstanding term of competition.
The rugby program enters 2026 in a confident position, continuing its long-standing ambition to be recognised as a consistent top four finalist within the Victorian Schools Rugby Union competition. That benchmark has been regularly achieved in recent years, and this year’s squad is determined to maintain that standard. A shorter but more intense pre-season has shaped an exciting and skilful style of play, blending experienced representative players with emerging younger talent. Valuable trial matches have further strengthened the group, who are eager to test themselves in a highly competitive competition.
A highlight of the pre-season was a combined camp for the First Girls Netball and Football teams. This was the first time these programs have come together in this way.
Held at Phillip Island, the camp provided an excellent opportunity to build connections across the two squads while undertaking strength and conditioning, leadership and team-building activities, alongside skill development sessions. Both teams were impressive in their preparation, recording wins in practice matches against local clubs, and are approaching the season ahead with confidence and enthusiasm.
Further strengthening the Girls Football program, we are excited to welcome former Melbourne and Geelong player Jarred Rivers, who will focus on developing Middle School Girls Football. Currently an assistant coach with the Melbourne Men’s AFL team, Jarred brings outstanding experience and a genuine passion for the growth of the Girl’s game. He joins Nicole Callinan, former AFLW elite player and professional development coach, as the program continues to build strong foundations for the future.
Girls Soccer has enjoyed an excellent pre-season, with approximately 40 students attending sessions and strong engagement across all levels. The Blazer Squad has now been finalised, and a convincing practice match performance highlighted the group’s structure and teamwork. Under the guidance of Melissa Barbieri, the most capped Matilda of all time, the Girls Soccer program continues to thrive.
The Boys Soccer program is led by Grant Brebner, former Melbourne Victory coach, with a clear focus on building a strong, supportive culture that enables every player to be the best they can be. The program aims to seed a lifelong love of the World Game, hopefully creating opportunities for students to play and flourish in different competitions across the globe — an exciting ambition that will continue to develop.
The Hockey program continues to develop, further strengthened with the appointment of Josh Harris, both as First team coach for the Boys, as well as leading the development of Boys players across the entire program. Originally from the UK, where he competed in the national league, Josh brings valuable playing and coaching experience, including his current role as the development coach of the Victorian U/16 boys team. His leadership is expected to have a strong impact across all levels. The Girls Hockey program, featuring a young and talented group, was highly competitive last season, narrowly missing a place in the Grand Final, and will be aiming to go one better this year and earn a place in the “big dance”.
In Boys Football, the pre-season has been highlighted by a successful training camp in Anglesea, where the First XVIII squad developed both cohesion and match readiness through quality practice matches. The program has also been strengthened by the appointment of Aaron Hamill, who will support coaching and player development across key year levels. Aaron joins us having recently been in the AFL system for almost 30 years, with a strong connection to the school through his daughter Syanna, who graduated last year.
There is genuine optimism across all teams as the season approaches.
The Boys Basketball program enters a new and exciting phase following an extraordinary run of five consecutive APS premierships. With a number of new players set to make their First team debuts, the season presents a valuable opportunity to build the next generation of success. Encouragingly, representation is expected across all senior school year levels, highlighting both depth and development within the program. There is a strong sense of anticipation as this group establishes its identity and embraces the challenge ahead.
When it comes to Girls Basketball, the program has been buoyed by the news that Old Haileyburian Charlise Dunn has this year been drafted into the WNBA by the new expansion franchise Toronto Tempo, as well as signing with the Sydney Flames in the WNBL. The Girls Basketball program continues to build strong momentum, participation numbers remain high across all age groups, and the First squad has already gained valuable experience through pre-season tournament play, positioning the program well for the season ahead.
Cross Country also enters the season with energy and purpose under the leadership of Craig Mottram, a four-time Olympian, whose experience and expertise bring tremendous value to the program. With students set to compete across a range of APS and Athletics Victoria events, and a strong focus on effort, improvement and enjoyment, the program continues to build a culture that supports both individual development and team success.
Across all programs, the commitment, enthusiasm and pride shown by our students has been outstanding. We look forward to supporting them throughout what promises to be a rewarding and successful winter season.
Go Hearts and Bloods!
Matthew Dwyer
Head of Sport (One Haileybury)
