The crowd was electrifying on the weekend at the Head of Schoolgirls Regatta (HOSG) in Geelong. From one side of the river to the other, the energy was unmatched, with enthusiastic supporters from all schools competing.
The Merton Army did not disappoint and they came out in numbers as usual. The supporter buses were packed with Grammarians coming to cheer for our rowers along the riverbank. This year’s slogan for our Rowing Squad was ‘Fuel the Fire’, and the fire was set with an astonishing 15 medals won, placing us second on the medal tally. Our amazing rowing crews took home 6 Gold, 3 Silver and 6 Bronze medals!
The Merton Crew was crowned the First VIII Champions for 2026, securing a historic victory for Melbourne Girls Grammar. Winning the Female School Eight Open Division 1 is a highly prestigious honour in Australian rowing, representing the peak of high school competitive rowing and acting as a major stepping stone toward elite competition. The win marks only the third time the School has claimed the prestigious title, and the first since 2012 a 14‑year wait that makes this achievement particularly significant.
2026 had 134 rowers competing in the Melbourne Girls Rowing Program. These Grammarians, ranging from Years 9 to 12, have spent the last six months training hard on the water and in the gym to prepare for their Term 1 racing season, which culminated in the Head of Schoolgirls Regatta on the Barwon River in Geelong. After countless early mornings, ergos, time trials, dead lifts, squats and more, the time finally came for the HOSG weekend. Our rowers were ready and well supported by their families, their classmates and their coaches of course. They finished their season on an absolute high and the whole School community is so proud of them.
Over time, a solid and purposeful culture of commitment, excellence and enjoyment has been crafted and developed by those who have contributed their time and passion to the MGGS Rowing program. Our Rowing Development Framework emphasises fundamental skills and focuses on process, enabling our rowers to establish, develop and execute the skills they need to perform and excel; all while facilitating community connections, fun and a well-rounded foundation of fitness for each of our rowers.
A part of that Rowing Program that everyone loves and that really makes a difference in our training season is the Rowing Camp at Paynesville in January. From developing technique and teamwork in our junior crews to refining performance and leadership in our Inter and Senior quads and eights, the camp sets the tone for the season ahead, helps everyone bond and work together to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Looking back, what’s your most memorable HOSG moment?
“My favourite HOSG memory has to be after our final. Witnessing the Merton Army come running towards the boat was incredible. The culture that has been created within the rowing program, and even the school, is unmatched. In that moment, I realised that it’s so much bigger than just rowing, it’s about the people you do it with, the connections built and the memories. It’s special to think about the hundreds of people who supported you, and everyone in the program who have rowed before you and will row after you.” — Imogen Perrett, Sport Captain
“Favourite memory was running with the Mert at HOSG to see them finish first for the first time in 14 years.” — Alexandra Davies-Devlin, Sport Captain
“Probably as we got off the water (at HOSG) after our last race, it was such a special moment. As we rowed into the landing, we were immediately surrounded by the Merton Army and by all these people that supported us, and cheered for us from the bank. They supported our journey in the season. Seeing them all there as we got off the water and celebrating this special moment with my crew, who I’ve really bonded with this past season, it’s a moment in my life that’s going to sit with me for a long time. It was truly the best way to finish off our last season of schoolgirls rowing.” — Jemima Ross, Vice Captain and Captain of Boats
“My favourite Head of Schoolgirls memory isn’t defined by one single moment, but the kindness that’s shown throughout, even in the most intense parts of the regatta. It’s such a high-pressure environment, everyone is pushing for results, emotions are high, and so much is on the line. Yet people still don’t forget to look after each other. Most recently, after my semi-final this season, we were feeling upset after completing a difficult race, and another school besides us were feeling that same disappointment. As we got off the water, their cox came straight over and hugged me, and from there it rippled through both crews, girls from each boat supporting one another. In a moment where it would have been easy to stay in our own disappointment, people chose kindness instead. That’s what stands out to me most, the fact that such intense competition can exist alongside genuine care and respect. That balance is what makes it so special.” — Camilla Rowe, Vice Captain of Boats
What stands out to you about the MGGS Rowing Program?
“I love it. I’m surrounded by such an awesome group of girls. The coaches and co-ordinators are so supportive, the atmosphere around the sheds and on the water really represents the amazing camaraderie and tight-knit community of the schools rowing program. It has a really good influence on your schooling years as it creates great and long-lasting friendships and teaches you core skills of teamwork and strong mentality. It is such a good program, and I would absolutely encourage anyone who considers it to get involved.” — Jemima Ross, School Vice Captain and Captain of Boats
“The MGGS Rowing Program is uplifting and supportive, it’s the kind of environment where you always feel backed by the girls around you, no matter where you’re at. There’s such a strong emphasis on the process across the whole season: showing up every day, putting in the work, improving bit by bit, and learning to trust the training. And when it comes to racing, that’s what carries you. More than anything, though, this program shapes the kind of people you become. It builds a group of athletes who are not only driven, but humble, supportive and always looking out for each other. That’s what makes it so special. The friendships I have built here are unlike any other. Every girl’s grit and determination are celebrated, and every achievement is met with so much encouragement. It’s a program that pushes you to your best while lifting everyone up around you.” — Camilla Rowe, Vice Captain of Boats
We wish our First VIII (The Merton) and Year 10As (The Gough Family) the absolute best this week, as they are competing in the Australian Rowing Championships at Lake Barrington in Tasmania. Finals will be held on Sunday 29 March. Go Melbourne, Fuel the Fire!