Thirty years on from our first APS Hockey Premiership, Melbourne Grammar School has won the First XI Hockey championship once again this year.
Hockey was established as a winter sport at Melbourne Grammar School in 1952, under the direction of Headmaster Sir Brian Hone. Fielding four teams, the U16 team was the only one playing in a formal competition – the Victorian Amateur Hockey Association – at that time. All four teams – U18, U16, U15, and U14 – had entered this competition by 1958. Twelve Senior School teams competed in an inter-school competition in 1986, with five of the teams being unbeaten for the season.
Hockey became an APS sport in 1991 and the School has won six First XI championships since then.
APS First XI Hockey Championships
- 1991
- 1995
- 2011
- 2012
- 2014
- 2021
“It is difficult to win a premiership in any sport, everything has to fall into place.” says David Aitken, Head of Sport Senior School and Teacher in Charge of Hockey. “It always takes something special, and it was no different this year.”
The First XI team was undefeated across the season, playing five of the scheduled eight round robin games, with three cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Speaking at a Senior School Assembly, Year 12 student and Captain of Hockey, Byron Fernandes thanked coach Dylan Coombes and David Aitken for their dedication. “It was an outstanding team effort,” added Byron. “Congratulations to everyone involved in this historic win.”
You can hear Byron talk about his experience as Captain of the First XI at Melbourne Grammar School here.
Do you know anything more?
Can you provide any further information the history of hockey at Melbourne Grammar School? Do you have relevant photos or other memorabilia you are willing to share?
If so, we would like to hear from you.
Please contact Luisa Moscato, School Archivist
E: [email protected]
P: +61 3 9865 7658
