Issue 7, 2025/2026 by Matthew Vicic - 14th November, 2025

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Interclub cup day!!!

Today is the day! May the whale be with you as we look to win the Cup again.

Firstly, a big thanks to those who arrived early last Saturday to help set up pads and other timing system components. There is much more to do for ICC than there was last Saturday, and the weather might present some challenges. So, we need willing workers on site if all is to be ready for an on-time start! Remember for us to win this thing, we are going to need help from the WHAoLE POD!  

Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the planning & preparation for the meet. We will be setting up from 1.30pm.

Coach's Corner for Inter-Club

• Ensure you have a good night's sleep on Friday night.
• Stay hydrated and fuelled on Saturday, especially those swimming at club on Saturday morning.
• Make sure you have some down time between club races and the afternoon's meet.
• Swimmers to be ready for Team Warm Up at 2.45pm
• White Merrylands caps for racing
• Give 100% in all your races, let your skills shine and support your team members!

Club Race Videos Now Live!

You can now watch our club race videos online. Head to: https://merrylandsasc.asn.au/clubraces/

A big thankyou to Sylvia, and Johnson for organising and creating the video!!

Club Captains – Results are announced today! 

We’re excited to announce the results of the voting of Club Captains at presentation today. 

There is a lot going on today, but still come down for races in the morning to find out who the club captains for the 2025 season are!!

This Week’s Spotlight: Steve Havea (Coralie’s dad)

How long have you been with the Club?

3-4 years, we joined when Covid was easing up. Coralie had completed the Swimz Learn to Swim program at Guildford Pools and they referred her to the Merrylands Squad for further development. I don't swim myself, though I know just enough to survive, I think...

What is one thing you like about our Club?

I really, personally like the 'Team' feel and how it brings different people together. Getting to know other people during time keeping duties has been great fun and a refreshing change to the usual people I chat to at work. I'm also very appreciative of how the Club develops and challenges the swimmers. Coralie has really grown competitively through the encouragement of the coaches and the goal-setting activity.

One interesting thing about me?

I played competitive American football for the University of Technology Sydney for about 6 years. I was part of the defence team, and I loved the physicality of it! We got runner up once, Sydney Uni kept winning it. I retired once I hurt my knee. I also played senior basketball at Glebe Highschool and became state champions in 1994. Yes, I grew up around Glebe (back then it was a very rough area!) and moved out west to get married.

One message for the swimmers.

I always tell Coralie, 'You can do hard things!'

🐳 “Tune in next week to find out who will be in the spotlight next! It could be you!” 🐳

Whales Tales Editor

You may have noticed a bubbly new vibe in Whales Tales over the past month, and that’s thanks to Matthew Vicic, who has been steering the ship while Graham has been away.

Matthew has made such a splash with his updates, jokes, and whale-themed fun that he will be continuing as Editor for the rest of the season!

So next time you see him, be sure to let him know how much you enjoy reading Whales Tales, and how often his jokes make you groan… or giggle. 🐋😄

Club Merrylands Christmas Events

At Club Merrylands

Toy Raffle - Monday  8 December from 7.30pm (tickets on sale at 5.30pm)

FREE santa photos on Monday 8 December from 6pm -7.30pm

Ham and Pork Raffle - Monday 1st and 15th December from 7.30pm (tickets on sale at 5.30pm)

Seafood voucher Raffle -Monday 22 December from 7.30pm (tickets on sale at 5.30pm)

At Guildford Bowling Club

Toy Raffle - Saturday 6 December from 7pm (tickets on sale at 5pm)

Ham and Seafood voucher Raffle - Saturday 20 December from 7pm (tickets on sale at 5pm)

Saturday Morning Point Score Competitions

There are three competitions run each Saturday morning that can gain you points.

🏅 Graded Races:

Swimmers are grouped by entry times and earn points based on how well they swim against their own time.

🎯 Championships:

Swimmers race within their age group (as of 1st October), with an Open Championship also available for all ages who meet the qualifying criteria.

💪 Senior Handicap:

A fun event for swimmers 17 years and over.

For more information see here: https://merrylandsasc.asn.au/clubraces/

Planning Your Championship Races

To compete in any upcoming champion races, you must have already swum the event successfully during this season before the day of the event.

To make sure you don’t miss out on qualifying for Championship events, it’s important to plan your swims well ahead.

💡Here are some quick tips to help you qualify:

1. Check the Season Program to see when each Championship event is scheduled.
2. Plan your qualifying swim at least two weeks before the Championship — this gives you time to recover if you miss a week or get disqualified.
3. Stay consistent and track your progress — every swim gets you closer to championship readiness!

So, start planning, keep training hard, and let’s see those fins making waves come Championship time! 🌊🐳

Club Uniforms

We have a great range of club uniforms in stock available for sale. These can be purchased through the club’s online shop club shop . Some items may require a special order to be placed with our suppliers, so planning orders ahead of time will allow for the items to be delivered.

Lions Club Award

Seen someone that deserves recognition for their efforts in helping? Nominate them for the Lions Club Award, our peak award to recognise our volunteers over the season.

Nominate a volunteer

P-Plate Award

As the season rolls along keep an eye out for someone making a silly mistake. We like to recognise and reward all efforts during the season, and the P-Plate award is the perfect way to do this.

Nominate a silly mistake

Seen a Problem? Get it Fixed

If you see something that needs fixing you can elevate this directly with Council by logging the issue here.

Donations

Our partnership with the Australian Sports Foundation allows supporters to make tax-deductible donations to the club. Funds raised help us upgrade and maintain our equipment and systems, providing better facilities for you, our members. 

We appreciate the great support our members have provided since the partnership commenced. Donations can be made here. 

Upcoming Meet Calendar

Check the website for the full list of upcoming meets, closing dates, programs and qualifying times.