October has marked an important continuation of the High Performance Squad’s building phase, with training volume and consistency remaining at the heart of our program. Athletes have logged substantial kilometres throughout the month, and the benefits of this sustained workload are becoming increasingly evident. Fitness is on the rise, technical cohesion is tightening, and the group is beginning to move with a shared rhythm and confidence that reflects the hard yards put in over winter.
National Time Trial 1 – Encouraging Early Signs
At the first National TT of the season, Mercantile athletes delivered a suite of positive results across the board.
A standout performance came from Alex Tomanovits and Oscar Tyrrell, who produced the top prognostic result of all Mercantile competitors, an impressive marker of early-season form. Dom Frederico and Jordan Roberts also delivered strong outcomes, placing within the top ten and reinforcing the depth beginning to emerge within the squad.
In-House Testing – Personal Bests Across the Board
Recent internal testing sessions provided another indicator of progress, with numerous athletes recording personal best results. Even several final attempts completed outside formal testing conditions demonstrated substantial improvement further evidence that the training foundation is taking hold.
These performances put the group in a strong position heading into the first round of official selection testing in November, with confidence growing and standards lifting across the entire squad.
Golden Oar – Canberra
Competing at the inaugural Club Omnium in Canberra was a genuine test of what it means to be a high-performance athlete at Mercantile. With the Golden Oar on the line, the mixed quad format demanded everything—speed over 1500m, through a 3km time trial, and the precision to execute repeated 400m sprints under pressure. For the NTC athletes, lining up alongside some of the biggest names in world rowing, including the legendary Sinković brothers, sharpened our intent. Finishing third in the Open category and crossing the line ahead of a crew of that calibre was a moment that reminded us why we train the way we do. Canberra delivered tough conditions and tougher competition, but it also reinforced the strength, depth and ambition of Mercantile athletes on the national stage.
Looking Ahead
With momentum building and belief strengthening, the squad now turns its focus to refining execution, sharpening race skills, and converting fitness into speed. The work has been tough, but the results are beginning to speak for themselves and there is a genuine sense of excitement about what lies ahead.
The foundations are set. November will be a crucial stepping stone and this group is ready for it.
Jordan Roberts – Athlete/General Committee
Mercantile Middies
October marked an exciting milestone for the Middies, with the squad heading to Canberra to take part in the inaugural National Club Omnium Regatta. It was a fantastic opportunity for our developing athletes to test themselves on a national stage—and they rose to the occasion brilliantly.
Outstanding Race Performances
The squad delivered a series of impressive results across the regatta:
Women’s Double Scull – WIN
Freya Axten and Lindsay Calvert produced a composed and confident performance to take victory in the double, an exceptional achievement at a brand-new national event.
Women’s Four – SECOND PLACE
The crew of Mia Harrison, Zoe Korr, Izzy Combes and Romy Minko put together a strong race to finish second behind a highly credentialed ITS combination, demonstrating maturity, cohesion, and real promise for the summer ahead.
Women’s Double Scull – STRONG RESULT
Our second double, rowed by Amy Florence and Ann Pinnecke, delivered a very respectable performance, reinforcing the depth and progress within the group.
Across all boats, the athletes showed great race execution, competitive spirit, and the confidence to take on quality opposition—a fantastic reflection of their development.
Building Skills and Strength
Beyond the regatta, the remainder of October focused on training volume and technical consolidation. The group continued to refine their boat skills, rhythm, and efficiency, important foundations as we move into the busy racing months ahead.
This period of steady work has been invaluable, and the improvements on the water are clear to see.
Eyes on the Next Challenge
With the Omnium behind us and a solid training block completed, the Middies are now joining the broader squad in preparation for two major club events:
- Melbourne Head
- Head of the Yarra
The team is energised, well prepared, and ready to take the next step in their racing journey.
In Summary
A national regatta debut.
A gold medal.
A silver medal.
And a month of hard, purposeful training.
It’s been a terrific start to the season for the Middies, and we look forward to seeing what they can achieve next.
Peter Sommerville – Coach
