Season 2025 was one of challenge and resilience. With injuries to key players, our depth was tested across all grades, yet the spirit of the club never wavered. Our Under 19s began strongly, sitting just outside the finals with four rounds to play.
As senior injuries mounted, several young players stepped up, with many doubling up in Reserves and U19s to ensure no games were forfeited. Their commitment showed the strength of our culture and the bond across all teams.
The Thirds, led superbly by coach Tom Penberthy (OW2009), enjoyed an outstanding season. They battled through to a Grand Final, falling just short but doing the club proud.
A huge thank you to Senior coach, Jordie McKenzie, for his strong leadership through very testing times. With six losses by under seven points and a draw, only a little luck eluded us and it could have been a very different season.
This year we also farewelled two greats of our club; Sam Hibbins (OW2011), our 2023 Premiership Captain who played 211 games and Corey Cassidy (OW2010), a premiership player with 127 games.
Congratulations to all our Best & Fairest winners and club award recipients for their outstanding seasons. Although we didn’t field a women’s program in 2025 as part of a reset, some exciting progress has been made under the leadership of Hannah Singleton (OW2014) and Amelia Peck (OW2018). Collegians have developed a Gender Equity Program endorsed by the AFL and are one of only two VAFA clubs to achieve Women’s and Girls Charter accreditation. This sets a strong foundation for the future of women’s football at our club.
To our members, volunteers, coaches, medical staff and committee, your tireless efforts are the backbone of this club. Although we will unfortunately compete in Men's Premier B in 2026, we welcome the challenge. Recruitment and retention are already underway and planning for a strong rebound season is well advanced. We look forward to coming back stronger.
We welcome new players, volunteers and supporters who would like to help off-field in committee roles, small roles or as sponsors - everyone can contribute to the club’s future success.
For enquires relating to Collegians Football Club or to get involved, please contact President Andrew Kenneally (OW1989) on 0499 490 580 or email akenneally29@gmail.com.
A special thank you to our valued sponsors for their continued support:
- Bastion
- Bendigo Bank East Malvern
- Big Wet Spring Water
- Jefferson Automotive
- JGC Electrical
- KOR
- Media Republic
- Mercedes-Benz Waverley
- OWCA
- Selwyn Allen Funerals
- Tellurian Wines
- Texco
- Total Facility Maintenance
- Sports Clinic Melbourne
