Liam’s breakthrough came after a standout 2024 season with Hockey Club Melbourne, earning him a call-up to the Kookaburras. However, shortly after his national debut, a major hamstring tear sidelined him from a European tour, testing not just his body, but his resolve. Through rehabilitation, hard work and the lessons instilled at Trinity, he returned stronger and went on to became one of the headline international recruits in the Hero Indian Hockey League.

Reflecting on his school days, Liam credits Trinity with laying the foundations for both his outlook and his career.

“Highlights of my time at Trinity were the connections I created across different year levels,” he says.

Winning multiple hockey premierships shaped his early success, and beyond sport, principles fostered at Trinity still guide him today.

“At Trinity I learnt the importance of caring for others, being a good person and giving my best to each task. These are standards I still strive for every day.”

Liam’s rise to the Kookaburras was built on persistent and continuous improvement. Often playing two to three years above his age, he learned to adapt to faster and stronger competition.

“It allowed me to grow in every team I was part of,” he explains.

Being selected for the national squad in December 2024 “was a dream come true,” says Liam.

“Telling my family I had made the national team is something I still smile about today. During the first eight games, I felt no pressure, I just played. But as expectations grew, I had to learn how to handle pressure and keep performing, knowing that you can’t be at your best every day.”

Then came the devastating 16cm hamstring tear in May 2025.

Away from the team, Liam focused on his rehab and himself, discovering just how much he loved hockey and how grateful he was for every opportunity to train and play. The “silent work” of recovery taught him patience and resilience.

“Seeing the team play while I couldn’t was hard, but it gave me perspective and strengthened my determination to come back better.”
His resilience was rewarded on the international stage when he was recruited into the Hero Indian Hockey league, placing him among the most sought-after international players.

With crowds of over 20,000, Liam describes playing in India as “electric”.

“The skill level and natural flair of the players is incredible,” he adds.

Liam balances his hockey career with studies in Construction Management at Open Universities Australia and hands-on experience with Amity Building Group during the off season. “Having something to fall back on is crucial,” he explains.
For students dreaming of a professional career in sport, Liam’s message is clear: persistence, mindset and balance matter.

“Strive to be the best in every team, game and training. Sleep well, eat well, train consistently and learn from each session – both the good and the challenging. And don’t underestimate the benefits of stepping away; catching up with friends and family is often the highlight of my week.”

On overcoming setbacks, Liam advises, “face challenges head-on and shift your mindset to focus on learning and improvement. Setbacks are a part of life and seeing them as opportunities to grow will set you apart.”

* Named in honour of Michael Craig (OTG 1948 and member of the Gallery of Achievement) – Australian field hockey player and Olympian.

Bulleen was one of my greatest classrooms. Not for quadratic equations, chemical formulas or grammar, but for the values that have shaped my life ever since.

When I think about what Trinity gave me, I think of teachers and lessons, of course, but also of wet boots, cold fingers, a forward pocket that never seemed to open up, and the quiet moments when a group of students learned what it meant to belong to something bigger than themselves.

Integrity meant fair play. Do the right thing, no cheap shots, no excuses. Accountability was turning up every time, even when you didn’t feel like it. Collaboration was teamwork. Doing your job so someone else could do theirs. Respect was simple. Shake hands with your opponent, win or lose. And excellence wasn’t about trophies, it was about effort and trying your best, always.

My most vivid memory came in Year 10 football. Many of our best players had moved up to the Firsts and we lost most weeks. But one wet, windswept day at Bulleen, everything clicked. The ball lived in the mud, every tackle hurt, and somehow, doing it for each other, we held on for a stirring win.

Our coach, the late Jonny Tapp, was crying. Not because it was brilliant football, but because it showed what happens when a group commits, suffers a bit together and finds a way. That moment has stayed with me ever since.

That’s what Bulleen means to me. A place where character is formed through shared effort.

Today, as an Old Trinity Grammarian, parent, Treasurer on School Council, and Chair of the Trinity Foundation, those lessons still guide me. Facilities matter. Not as monuments, but as environments that shape people.

The fields and buildings at Bulleen aren’t just background scenery. They’re where courage, teamwork and resilience take root; where friendships are forged; where young people discover who they are.

Supporting Bulleen is about more than bricks and turf. It’s about backing the next generation to learn what we learned there.

Old Trinity Grammarians’ Cricket Club

They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result, but it is starting to feel as if the OTGCC’s destiny has been generated by a sadistic AI model that thrives on the suffering of amateur sportsmen. It’s either that or we’re stuck in some sort of inescapable Groundhog Day cycle. I would honestly not be shocked if Bill Murray and Punxsutawney Phil popped up on our team sheet next season.

A bright start for the First XI that ultimately falls short of a finals campaign due to a number of “honourable” losses? A really bright start for the Second XI that ultimately ends in a semi-finals shellacking? Check and check.

But once again, despite these on-field shortcomings, the season has been a raging success. We have seen over 50 players float through our two sides over the course of the year, continued to foster a thriving social scene that connects generations of OTGs (our oldest player was twice the age of our youngest), and on occasions even played some respectable cricket. One of the big late-season highlights was a Tuesday night out at Bulleen where we competed in two T20 games against the TGS First and Second XIs for the newly established Scott and David Cowley perpetual trophy – a tribute to a family that has arguably done more for Trinity cricket than any other.
Call us insane, but we already can’t wait to do it all again next year.

Look out for our next update which will include a summary of our end of season awards night and information about season 2026/27. In the meantime, follow us on Instagram (@oldtrinitycc) for some of the finest social media content you will ever see.

Seb Nicolosi (OTG 2012)
OTGCC President

Old Trinity Grammarians’ Amateur Football Club

Bulleen is the spiritual home of the OTGAFC, and we couldn’t have a better place to celebrate the values that the club adheres to. I think some of the players spend more time at Bulleen than they do at home.

On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, our players come to a place that, firstly, has some of the best facilities going around, but secondly, there are always reminders from the past, whether it be Sangers driving past and yelling out hello, or Past Players Luncheons where the stories become larger than life.

With the new facilities soon to be launched, I know that we will be the envy of every other VAFA club, with the best grounds and soon to be, the best clubrooms.

The camaraderie that has developed over many decades is almost palpable as soon as you enter the Marles Playing Fields. It is something that our members should never forget – sharing the highs and lows of football life and just enjoying these amazing facilities that the school provides.

Tony Mulcahy
OTGAFC President

OTGHC had a challenging and successful 2025/26 season, performing well across both teams, narrowly missing finals with some tough competitions. Despite missing finals, we made some fantastic steps forward both on and off the field. On field, we had our highest ever membership numbers as well as tripling our total goal count from last season. Off field, we increased our social attendance and hosted multiple club events throughout the season.

We now look ahead to the coming season with optimism and a clear intention to build on our previous results. The focus for the coming season is clear: more social events, greater numbers and an emphasis on welcoming both new and returning members. We encourage any OTG interested in playing hockey in 2026 to reach out to Tom on 0487 346 042 or otghockey@gmail.com. Go Ts!

Tom Cohen (OTG 2018)
OTGHC Co-President

The Old Trinity Grammarians’ Soccer Club (OTGSC) began the year with strong momentum, as preparations continue for the upcoming 2026 season. Pre-season training commenced late last year and continued into the new year, with players returning to Bulleen eager to build on the club’s growth both on and off the field.

This season the club is pleased to welcome a familiar face to the Old Trinity Soccer community. Former Trinity teacher, loved by all, Matthew Rock, is the new senior coach. Beyond his deep tactical knowledge of the game, Matt brings a unique edge to the pitch: he is a practising psychologist. We are incredibly excited to see how his expertise in both elite performance and mental fortitude will elevate the club this season.

Pre-season has included several competitive practice matches, including a fierce battle against Old Camberwell Grammar – The “Old Mitre Cup” – which provided an excellent opportunity for the squad to revisit some old rivalries.

Off the field, the club continues to grow thanks to the support of several new and existing sponsors, including Lvl Up Supplements, Rusty Blade Barber Shop, ASL Traffic, Blink Creative, Camberwell Butchery, Brain Matters and The Skinny Dog Hotel. Their support plays a vital role in helping the club develop both competitively and socially.

If you are interested in playing, please reach out to Lino, Chris or Eddie on Instagram @oldtrinitysoccerclub or via email otgsoccerclub@outlook.com

Chris Liosatos (OTG 2021)
OTGSC Co- President

The OTG Water Polo Club is thriving in 2025, with record numbers and growing interest from across the Trinity community. The summer season is underway, with the OTG Otters having two wins and two losses in State League 2, the OTG Pups two wins with a loss and a draw apiece, and the new OTG Bevies still awaiting their first win after a couple of tightly contested drawn games in State League 6. All teams expect to be active in the December finals period.

We’re currently in training for our weekly summer competition. Training is held at 7:20pm on every Monday night at the Trinity pool, and all interested OTGs and students in Years 10–12 are encouraged to come down and enjoy a welcoming, social atmosphere. A myriad of social events have been enjoyed with more soon to come on the club’s social calendar as we continue to develop friendships and culture outside the pool.

As part of our season, OTG Water Polo will field a side to take on the Trinity Firsts team in an exhibition match this September – a fantastic opportunity we are looking forward to embracing.

If you are interested in joining, please feel free to come to a Monday night training or contact Ed at ecasmith1998@gmail.com.

Ed Smith (OTG 2017)
OTGA Otters President

Neil Williams, Council Member 1976-2011 and Chair of Council 1992-1995 (pictured here with grandson, Blake), reflects on the leadership of former Headmaster Don Marles OAM and pivotal role he played in establishing Trintiy’s Bulleen Playing Fields. 

Don Marles joined Trinity with a breadth of experience in education, having served at Brighton Grammar School, English public schools and for over 20 years at Geelong Grammar School where he held a number of roles, including Deputy Headmaster and Headmaster.

As Ian Monro, a Senior Master at Trinity, observed, “Don Marles came to Trinity with a clear idea of what he wanted in a school and also how a school like Trinity should be shaped for the future. He retired knowing that the greater part of his vision had been realised.”

His approach was to strengthen Trinity’s academic results, preserve the Trinity style of individual student care and to harness the School Council and community in improving Trinity’s facilities.”

Following a review of the school’s finances and its building requirements, the “Trinity – Building a Future Appeal” was established. This funded a phased building program through the 1980 to early 1990s. The development of the playing fields at Bulleen was the first, and an example of the spirit of the Headmaster. Over the next 12 years, 10 major projects were completed
and recognised with several architectural awards. This owed much to the involvement of Professor Peter McIntyre, AO, (OTG 1943 and member of the Gallery of Achievement) and Chair of Council 1989 -1992.

Don Marles was a very reserved person but with strength of mind and a consistent approach. Issues were analysed with all views considered. Decisions were objective and dispassionate. As Philip Anthony, the Deputy Headmaster at the time, observed, Don was humble and had a healthy and self-deprecating sense of humour which “preserved him from any blind faith in his own infallibility”.

Beyond Trinity, Don Marles was involved in a plethora of committees within the independent school sector. Respected for his opinions, his propriety and amiability, Don contributed actively to discussions on the VCE. In 1992, he and I hosted a meeting of the independent boys’ schools on this subject with the State Minister for Education. In recognition of his service, Council established the “DM Marles Scholarship Fund”.

In 1992, as Chair of Council, I had the privilege of farewelling Don Marles at his last Presentation Night. I concluded by saying:

“Personally, I do not think in terms of how history will judge the leadership of Don Marles. I know from my own association with Trinity that in all ways the last 14 years have been a most creative and dynamic period. Trinity is not only indebted but indeed fortunate to have had a great Headmaster.”

Don Marles was the Headmaster of Trinity Grammar School from 1979 –1992. He died in 2017.

James Baumgartner (OTG 2013) recently became a Captain at Jetstar on the Airbus A320/A321 after nine years with the airline. A couple of months later, he also proposed to his partner Carlie in the Sharjah Desert, near Dubai. Congratulations to James and Carlie.

Alex Chieng (OTG 2024) commenced at Harvard (pre-engineering) and plans to audition for the Harvard Jazz and Orchestral bands. We look forward to hearing more from Alex as his journey evolves!

Kirun Goy (OTG 2011) returned to Trinity in late 2025 as the keynote speaker at our Leadership Retreat for incoming Year 12 leaders. Currently based in Singapore, Kirun travels extensively in his role as a Senior Harvard Leadership Facilitator. During his visit, he enjoyed reconnecting with his former First XI Soccer Coach, Mike Moreira, and fellow member of Hindley House, Kate Fewster – both Mike and Kate currently serve as Heads of Year 12.

Tim Hopwood (OTG 1993) lives in Canada and recently visited us in Melbourne at the Founders’ Day Fair. It was great to see his friends from the 1993 cohort catching up with him during the fair.

Photo L-R – David Hopwood with 1993 leavers Patrick Casey, Chris Davies, Jon Booth, Lucas Welsh and Tim Hopwood. David, Chris and Jon are all current parents at Trinity.

We are delighted to congratulate our past Trinity student, Nick Pearce OAM (OTG 2011), who was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community through the not-for-profit sector.

Nick, along with the co-founder of their Melbourne-based streetwear label and social enterprise HoMie, was recognised at this year’s Australia Day Honours. HoMie’s profits go towards supporting young people affected by homelessness or hardship.

When Nick was at Trinity, he became very engaged in community activities and actively sought out further leadership opportunities in this space.

“I think what I learnt most from my time at school was to be open to trying new things as you never know where they’ll lead you,” says Nick.

Nick is one of the featured OTGs in our Choose Your Own Adventure campaign, highlighting the interesting journeys of our alumni.

Ryan Landgren (OTG 2009) and Abbie enjoyed a perfect day in October 2025 for their wedding. Ryan is our current President of the Old Trinity Grammarians’ Association, and we wish him and Abbie well for a very happy future together.

Peter Rossdale (OTG 1970), John Sutcliffe (OTG 1961) and Neil Hudson (OTG 1962) caught up and enjoyed the day at the Caulfield Guinness races.

Geoff Broadbent (OTG 1959) was a regular attendee at the annual Gold Mitre Lunch and a member of Henty House. His son James (OTG 1983) also attended Trinity.

Ronald Clough (OTG 1949) commenced Trinity in 1946. He was a member of Henty House and was also Dux of Maths and Science in 1949. He sadly passed in October 2025.

Derek Cosburn (OTG 1956) attended Trinity as a St Paul’s Chorister in 1949 and was a member of Merritt House. Until his passing, he was still active in various singing and Barbershop Harmony groups.

John Crane (OTG 1961) commenced at Trinity in the Junior School in 1951 and was a member of Arnold House. He spent his entire career working at Network 10 as their Chief Electrical Engineer.

Trevor Fiander (OTG 1962) was a regular at the Gold Mitre Lunches and enjoyed catching up with his school friends. He was also a member of Arnold House and was in the Trinity swim team at school.

Craig Gamble (OTG 1971) sadly passed away in September 2025.

Graeme Hotton (OTG 1956) enjoyed attending the Gold Mitre Lunch regularly. At school, he was a member of Henty House. He later enjoyed a long career as an accountant. Graeme’s brother Bruce and Graeme’s two sons also attended Trinity.

Gary Knight (OTG 1969) attended Trinity as a boarder from Maffra from 1966 to 1969. He was a member of Arnold House. He returned to work in Primary Industry, most recently in the Stratford area.

James Kritsonis (OTG 1987) attended Trinity for two years, along with his twin brother and best friend, George. He made many lifelong friends.

Craig Gamble (OTG 1971) sadly passed away in September 2025.

Graeme Hotton (OTG 1956) enjoyed attending the Gold Mitre Lunch regularly. At school, he was a member of Henty House. He later enjoyed a long career as an accountant. Graeme’s brother Bruce and Graeme’s two sons also attended Trinity.

Gary Knight (OTG 1969) attended Trinity as a boarder from Maffra from 1966 to 1969. He was a member of Arnold House. He returned to work in Primary Industry, most recently in the Stratford area.

James Kritsonis (OTG 1987) attended Trinity for two years, along with his twin brother and best friend, George. He made many lifelong friends.

Ian Parker Sichlau (OTG 1968) was a Trinity boarder and sadly passed away at his family farm on Australia Day. Ian is survived by his wife Patricia, his son Benjamin and daughter Bethany.

John McIlwain (OTG 1962) – John was a Leader of the 2nd Kew Scouts and Merritt Boarding House Master in 1971. John passed away after a long illness and is survived by his wife Jenny and daughters Lisa and Karie. John’s father, John (OTG 1938) also attended Trinity as a St Paul’s Chorister.

Peter Ringersma (OTG 1963) – a student at Trinity from 1960 to 63 and a regular attendee at the annual Gold Mitre lunch, sadly passed away in November 2025. He leaves behind a wife, three loving daughters, two stepsons and four grandsons. He will be greatly missed.

Peter Russell (OTG 1965) – Peter passed away peacefully in October 2025, after a short illness, aged 77. Peter was a boarder from the age of 11 through to the completion of his schooling. A respected and well-known member of the Borough of Queenscliff and the Moorabool communities, Peter made a lasting contribution to both business and public life.

He was the proud owner of Russell’s Department Store in Bacchus Marsh and later continued his passion for local enterprise through Leopold News & Lotto. Deeply committed to his community, Peter served as both Councillor and Mayor of Moorabool Shire and also held a short councillorship with the Borough of Queenscliff. He was an active member of the Rotary and Probus Clubs, embodying the spirit of service throughout his life.

Bulleen is the beating heart of Trinity’s sporting program. Rather than simply listing its fields and facilities, the best way to understand what Bulleen really means is to imagine yourself there on a typical afternoon after school.

It’s an unassuming Thursday. The bell finally rings after an arduous day of classes, and the campus slowly begins to empty. You’re a member of the Seconds footy team. You and a few mates head down Cotham Road, stopping briefly to grab some chips before making your way towards the buses. Soon you’re climbing aboard, squeezing into a seat as the bus fills with conversation. Some of your friends are talking through the drills for training, others replay moments from last weekend’s games, and every now and then a burst of laughter ripples through the aisle. For many students, this ride has become a familiar ritual – the bubbling excitement before the rewarding training sessions.

When the buses finally roll into Bulleen, something about the atmosphere changes. You step off and are greeted by a wide stretch of green, where football ovals, soccer pitches and tennis courts are all waiting to come alive. With your bag slung over your shoulder, you walk across the grounds to meet your teammates. There’s a sense of routine, but also something special about being there.

Before long, the fields are bustling with life. Your coach calls the squad together and warm-ups begin, and the grounds quickly fill with movement and noise. You can feel your feet bouncing across the grass as you jog along the edge of the field, the fresh air washing over your face and giving you a renewed sense of energy.

Then the scrimmage begins. A quick handball down the line. A pass to the wing. Suddenly the ball lands in your hands. You dart forward, scanning for an option, heart pounding as a defender closes in. For a moment, nothing else seems to matter. Just the field and the teammates around you.

And this is exactly what Bulleen does best. For a couple of hours, it pulls you out of the rhythm of the school day and drops you somewhere entirely different. The stress of upcoming SACs and unfinished homework fades into the background as soon as your boots hit the grass. Instead, your focus narrows to the simple things in front of you, like kicking a ball into a goal.

We hope that future Trinity generations can experience Bulleen as we have for years to come.

Brought to you by the Digital Media Captains – Adtharsh Nishakar, Jerrad Chan, Alex Twigg and Timothy Maher.

16 June –  A special Council Meeting resolved to submit an offer to purchase the land for a future sporting complex, subject to rezoning and planning approval from Doncaster and Templestowe Council.

3 August –With the legal representation of Jack Just (OTG 1937) of Arthur Phillips & Just, contract was signed topurchase18 hectares of the property. The remaining hectares was acquired in April 1980.

The planning team was assembled, including Les Clarke (Clarke Hopkins and Clarke Architects), Rayment and Associates Landscape Architects and Max Cooper (O’Connor & Beveridge).

30 April  – The official opening of the Bulleen Playing Fields by Judge Gordon Just, Chair of School Council. The school hosted numerous visiting schools for hockey, football and cross country running.  Throughout the morning, 36 matches were played with over 400 students taking part.

First bank of four tennis courts installed in the north-west corner of the site.

Soccer made its first appearance at Trinity.

A part of Tom’s role is to work closely with the 2026 student leaders – School Captain Darcy Stewart and Vice Captains Ahilan Sudheshan, Anthony Papaleo, Ryan Cen and Tate Harrison. Here, Tom speaks to the student leaders about their roles.

“It always starts with family: they guide and direct my values and keep me grounded,” Tom says.

Ahilan agrees, looking to his own family for guidance.

“A large and integral inspiration for me throughout my schooling has been my dad: his work ethic, communication skills and will to stay true to his passions and beliefs, even as he grows older, are all attributes which I strive to replicate in my life ,” Ahilan says.

For Anthony, it is the past school captains who have inspired him.

“I’ve always admired their calm confidence and the way they led by example,” he says.

“I have also learnt a lot from external mentors through the F1 in Schools program (now STEM Racing), who’ve shown me what professionalism, teamwork and innovative thinking really look like,” Anthony adds.

Ultimately for Tom, it is the student leaders who inspire him, as they look towards the remainder of the year and beyond.

“They know their students and what they need and do so much to make school the best it can be for everyone,” he says.

The House Performing Arts Festival (HPAF) and the House system. Walking around different House areas during rehearsals, it was great to see students dancing, singing and acting. I thoroughly enjoyed the performance night, as it was something I had never experienced before at any other school.

When the school values are known and lived as part of a normal day.

Connection, belonging and challenge.

John Eales AM. The most successful Wallabies Captain in our history. His leadership, work ethic and integrity are traits I admire.

Collaborative and ethical. In a school setting, I have high care and high expectations for students and staff.

Right now, I’m focused on listening and learning about what makes Trinity such a special place. I haven’t arrived here with any pre-conceived ideas or agendas. After a period of listening, I’ll put my energy and focus into areas of identified need for our school.

Family time and exercise are big for me. I’ve got two young children who keep me busy. I enjoy sports; is there anything more relaxing than watching test cricket on a hot summer’s day? I also enjoy reading and listening to a good podcast.

That Trinity continues to be an aspirational learning community that inspires every individual to strive and contribute positively to society.

I look forward to working with Mr Farrer, the School Council, staff, students and families to ensure this purpose remains front and centre in all our actions.