As the season gathers momentum, Mercantile athletes have hit the ground running competing across three states, embracing new racing formats, and laying down markers that signal a promising year ahead. From Brisbane to Canberra to our own backyard in Carrum, the red and white has been well and truly on show.
KAND Challenge Cup – Brisbane
Our squad travelled north to Brisbane to contest the inaugural KAND Challenge Cup, racing a 3.5km Men’s Eight alongside crews from KAND and the University of Queensland.
It was a fierce, high-quality race, with our crew finishing a very close second less than two seconds behind UQ. The event showed enormous potential, both competitively and culturally, and discussions are already underway to turn this into an annual “Red & White Challenge,” with an invitation extended to Mosman Rowing Club to join the rivalry. A great first step in what could become a premier interclub fixture.
Crew (Stroke to Bow):
Matisse Kerr, Jake Polkinghorne, Matt Fielding, Myles Laburn, Lachlan Severn, James Simpson, Dom Frederico, Alex Tomanovits.
Club Omnium – Canberra
Canberra played host to another inaugural event on the Rowing Australia calendar the Club Omnium. Racing for prize money in the mixed quad class, the format tested versatility and endurance: a 1500m race, a 3km time trial, and a series of 400m sprint finals.
Our NTC athletes Paige Barr, Emmie Frederico, Austin Reinehr and Dom Frederico rose to the challenge, finishing an impressive second in the Open category and notably defeating a crew featuring the famed Sinković brothers.
There was more success for Mercantile with Susannah Lutz taking victory in the PR Mixed Double an outstanding result and a testament to her hard work and progression.
National TT1 – Carrum
Carrum hosted the first National Time Trial of the season, and with access to what is essentially our own private training course, the squad delivered a strong collective performance. With the first national benchmark now set, training intensity has lifted as we look toward the next phase of racing.
National 5km Erg Test
The first national ergometer ranking test yielded excellent results across the squad. A special mention goes to Aphroditie Gioulekas, who topped the national women’s rankings, and Myles Laburn, who led the way within our men’s group. These results reflect the commitment shown across the winter and provide a strong platform heading into the summer racing calendar.
Equipment & Squad Progress
We welcomed a new fleet addition a Filippi women’s pair/double which will be a valuable asset for our developing women’s sweep and sculling groups.
Training continues to build steadily, and we’re excited to see our school-leaver athletes returning to the program as exam commitments start to ease. Their reintegration will add depth, energy, and competition within the squad exactly what we want at this stage of the season.
Looking Ahead
With momentum building on and off the water, our focus now turns to maximising performance through consistent training, smart recovery, and continued squad cohesion. The early signs are extremely positive, and the competitive spirit across the group is unmistakable.
It’s a terrific start to the season let’s keep pushing.
Scott Rowe – Head Coach
