(Incorporating the Mid-Performance Squad)
August has been a strong month of training for the High-Performance squad, marked by numerous personal bests and fast on-water results. This also marks the first full month under new head coach Scott Rowe’s program, which has already brought great momentum.
The squad has welcomed new faces from near and far, including recent school leavers joining weekday training and international athletes training at Mercantile either during a gap year or as part of a longer-term move.
Wednesday morning trips to Carrum have also returned to the High-Performance schedule after a year’s break. The classic 4 x 2000m step-rate sessions are back, proving to be a valuable test of endurance and discipline. Training has focused heavily on small boats, with long kilometres on the water translating into noticeable technical and physical gains each session.
Looking ahead, the group is eager to continue building boat speed through small boat training as we move towards the time trial and head racing season. We also extend our best wishes to our NTC athletes competing at the World Championships in Shanghai in two weeks’ time—we look forward to cheering them on.
Jordan Roberts – Athlete/General Committee
Mercantile Mid-Performance Squad “The Middies” – August 2025
Who are the Mercantile Middies? We like to say we train like elites, but race like true club rowers. Our focus is on the senior club events at the National Rowing Championships—2x, 4–, and 8+. We are the heart and soul of club rowing.
After the unmitigated success of the 2024–25 season—where the Middies claimed three national medals and swept every club event at the State Championships—it’s time for a rebuild. A brand-new batch of Middies have stepped up, and we’re excited to keep the momentum rolling.
We’re thrilled to welcome:
- Izzy Combes
- Romy Minko
- Mia Harrison and Zoe Korr (promoted from the Youthies)
- Hannah Hills (still training in the UK, but joining soon)
The Middy machine began cranking back into gear in August. With limited water time early in the season, the crew turned to cross-training—most notably Sunday trail runs through the Dandenongs. The running program culminated in an all-out dash up to the snow-capped summit of Mt Donna Buang, climbing over 1,000 vertical metres. A true test of grit, teamwork, and Mercantile spirit.
The rebuild is underway—and the Middies are coming.
Peter Somerville – Coach
