As the 2025 season draws to a close, it is worth taking stock of where the club is now, compared to September of 2024.
Probably the best indicator of this is the club’s stellar performance at the Victorian State Championships. The club topped the medal table, with 18 gold medals, 6 silver, and 8 bronze. There are too many fine performances to note individually here, but worthy of specific mention are:
· Sophie Reinehr coming from behind to win the Open Women’s single
· Freya Axten winning numerous gold medals in club/A grade events
· Zara Kfouri doing the NSW/Vic double in the Women’s U21 single
· The Youth Men’s squad picking up bronze in both the U21 Four and Eight events
· Winning four gold medals in a period of 10 minutes: the Open and Club Men’s and Women’s Eights
Several Mercantile athletes have been honoured with selection in the Victorian team for the Interstate Regatta at the conclusion of the Nationals:
· President’s/King’s Cup Squad: Angus Widdicombe, Fergus Hamilton, Austin Reinehr, Jack Robertson, Dom Frederico
· Nell Slatter Trophy/Queen’s Cup Squad: Emmie Frederico, Katrina Werry, Paige Barr, Sophie Reinehr, Anna Morrison, Hayley Verbunt
· PR3 Men’s Single Scull: Nick Bartlett
· Penrith Cup: Jordan Roberts
· Noel Wilkinson Cup: Alex Marro, James Simpson
· Bicentennial Trophy: Olivia Nairn, Mackenzie Kopke-Veldhuis, Lucinda Johnstone, Zoe Korr (reserve), Clodagh McCarthy (reserve)
2025 Nationals
Overall a very pleasing Nationals campaign for Mercantile.
It was especially pleasing to see a strong representation in both the male and female U21 events; this is clearly a springboard for future success.
Also very gratifying to finishing 3rd overall in the Club Championship point score.
Special mention to the gold medallists:
- Sophie Reinehr, Emmie Frederico, Paige Barr in Open W4x
- Emmie Frederico in Open W2-
- Fergus Hamilton in Open M2-, Open M4-, and King’s Cup
- Angus Widdicombe and Austin Reinehr in Open M4- and King’s Cup
- James Simpson and Alex Marro in Wilkinson Trophy
- Jack Robertson in King’s Cup
- Jordan Roberts in Open LM4x and Penrith Cup
- Oli Scalzo in MU23 8+ and MU23 4-
- Zara Kfouri in U21 W1x
- Jake Polkinghorne in U23 M8+
- Archie Critchell in U21 M4x
- Nick Bartlett in PR3 M2-
Nick Lloyd – Head Coach
