This year marked a truly historic chapter for the Canberra Gators, with the official
establishment of our club. Following great success in Sri Lanka in 2024, we
successfully incorporated as a formal sporting organisation: opening our first club
bank accounts, electing office bearers, and laying the foundation for what we believe
will be a long and successful future. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our
committee members for their service, commitment, and countless volunteer hours
this year: Owen Levings, Sam Wightman, Mitch Gunning, Connor Brown, Brett
Waslin, and Tynan Luhowsky. Their hard work has ensured that the Gators’ vision
continues to move forward with strength and purpose.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the founding members
who started something special during the Gators’ first World Series appearance in
Sri Lanka. Their energy and belief in building a club that represents both
competitiveness and camaraderie have carried us to where we are today.
In 2025, the Gators reached new heights, expanding to two teams travelling
internationally to compete in Dubai. This was an enormous achievement and a
testament to the depth and enthusiasm within our playing group. Our Tier 2 side had
an outstanding campaign, progressing all the way to the semi-final before falling in a
thrilling super over against our long-time rivals, the Wolves. It was an incredible
contest that showcased the grit and talent of our players. A special mention goes to
Club Captain Mitch Gunning, who was deservedly recognised as the Tier 2 MVP for
his exceptional performances throughout the tournament.
Our Tier 3 team faced some challenges this year and ultimately fell short of
expectations, but there were plenty of positives to take away. The experience gained
and lessons learned will undoubtedly strengthen this group for future competitions,
as the Gators continue to build depth across all tiers.
In addition to our international campaigns, we were proud to expand our domestic
footprint through participation in the Tamworth Premier Indoor Series, where we
entered three Gators teams. This gave 27 players valuable opportunities to compete
at a high level, providing a perfect bridge for future Club World Series participants.
Our Premier team, Gators Gold, went through the tournament undefeated and
claimed the championship — a fantastic result that reflects the growing quality within
our ranks. The Gators Green and Gators Black teams also impressed, with many
players proudly wearing Gators colours for the first time. Gators Black fell just short
in a tight semi-final, while Gators Green capped off a strong campaign by taking
home the Plate title.
To close out the season, we once again hosted our much-loved Swamp Bash
tournament — a highlight of the Gators calendar and a fantastic way to wrap up the
year. The draft-style competition was as even as ever, with all six teams in
contention for a grand final spot heading into the final round. Ultimately, it was The
Cod, drafted by Keagan Pickles, who took home the title. This year’s player draft was
also conducted live for the first time during the Tamworth Series, creating a fun,
engaging, and entertaining night for all involved.
Beyond our club events, 2025 was another strong year for Gators athletes
representing the Cricket ACT system. Sam Manton and Jack Gunning proudly
represented the ACT U22 side at Nationals, showcasing their skill on the national
stage. The Gators also celebrated a major milestone, producing our first ACT
Rocket, with Mitchell Gunning earning selection and contributing to their Nationals-
winning squad — a tremendous achievement.
In the local CIPL competition, the Gators continued to make their mark, with six
players selected in the Team of the Year — Sam Manton, Josh Commons, Nic
Barclay, and Owen Levings, alongside Mitch and captain Jack Gunning, who both
played key roles in the Falcons’ CIPL-winning campaign. Clinton Lillepruun, Keagan
Pickles, and Jayden Manton were also integral contributors to that successful
Falcons side, underlining the strong Gators influence across the ACT indoor cricket
landscape.
We capped off the year with our End of Season Awards Night, which also served as
a celebration of two years of Gators achievements. The evening recognised not only
the outstanding performances from 2025 but also retrospectively for our 2024
winners. It was a wonderful way to come together as a club and acknowledge the
players and supporters who make the Gators community what it is today.
Finally, I would like to extend my gratitude to our committee, playing group,
supporters, and especially our major sponsor, Loan Market Canberra, whose
partnership in our club has been invaluable. A huge thank you also goes to all the
individual sponsors who helped make our Dubai campaign possible. Your support
ensures that our players can continue to represent the Gators proudly on the
national and international stage.
Plenty of planning has already gone into next season, with some exciting
opportunities on the horizon. The foundations are strong, the culture continues to
grow, and the future of the Canberra Gators looks brighter than ever.
Aidan Gunning
Canberra Gators President
