The Power of Belonging with the Power Brothers

For the Power brothers, Ben (OTG 1995), Luke (OTG 1997 and member of the Gallery of Achievement) and Sam (OTG 2001), the Marles Playing Fields at Bulleen are far more than a collection of ovals. It was the heart of their Trinity experience, a place where character took shape and where belonging, resilience and lifelong bonds were forged in Green and Gold.

Long before his 15-year AFL career and three premierships with the Brisbane Lions, Bulleen set the stage for Luke’s journey. There he soaked it all up – the bus-stop banter, the wins and the losses and, of course, the sneaky trips to the canteen for a slice of cake!

Yet, Luke says his greatest lessons at Bulleen weren’t about victory. “The football teams I played in weren’t overly successful, but they taught me to keep turning up and competing. I also learnt the importance of being part of something bigger than myself. At Trinity, your role in a team mattered more than individual success.”

Today, as Head of Development for the AFL program at the Western Bulldogs, Luke still draws on these values.

Younger brother, Sam, who enjoyed an eight-year AFL career with the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne, first experienced Bulleen as a spectator before he started at Trinity. Along with his parents, he’d spend entire days watching his brothers play cricket and football at Bulleen.

“Seeing my brothers win the 1995 and 1996 First XI AGSV Cricket Premierships were some of my most treasured Bulleen memories. It brought the school community together in a special way.”

Sam, now the Executive Manager for Men’s Football at the Western Bulldogs, credits time at Bulleen for shaping his understanding of teamwork, responsibility and leadership.

“In the elite sporting environment, strong relationships and genuine care for each other are critical. This sense of connection came naturally at Trinity. There was a real honour in representing the school and supporting your mates.”

For eldest brother Ben, who played in the First XVIII Football and First XI Cricket teams – including the great privilege of captaining the First XI to its first premiership since 1967 – no memory surpasses Saturday morning AGSV sport, knee-deep in mud.

“Pulling on the Green and Gold gave me a great sense of pride and connection to the school, something I still hold dear today. Bulleen was a beacon of light; it was always a pleasure to play there.”

This connection continued beyond school when Ben joined the OTGAFC alongside many of his friends, continuing the tradition of playing at Bulleen.

After recently concluding his time leading global creative and production agency Wellcom alongside his brother-in-law Andrew Sidwell (OTG 1998), Ben reflects that it is the friendships and people he met at Trinity that stand out most.

Three brothers. Three eras. Three careers. Yet ,a common thread remains. Bulleen is not just where sport is played; it is where character is built.