Assemblies are a time for our community to gather and celebrate our culture and acknowledge our achievements. On Wednesday this week we presented Service Awards to 53 young men from Years 5 to 12. Fifteen from Years 11 and 12 had clocked up in excess of 50 hours. In recognition of selection in Met West and Queensland sporting teams, 47 boys were presented with banners and we acknowledged eight AIC premiership winning teams.
During the assembly I posed the following - Is it better to strive for excellence or strive to win? In addressing the question, I started with the fact that you’d had to have disconnected from society completely to not notice some momentous events over these past few weeks.
Brisbane’s name has etched itself firmly into sporting history. The Lions triumphed in the AFL, the Broncos claimed both the NRL and NRLW titles (we await the hopefully successful outcome of the AFLW). And…to top it all off Taylor Swift dropped her latest album — yes, another one! It’s been a couple of weeks of wins, headlines and celebrations; however, beneath the roar of the crowd and the glitter of trophies lies this deeper question.
Realistically, winning feels great, the applause, the medals, the acclaim. But is that it? When the final whistle blows what happens next, when the spotlight fades and the celebrations become a memory?
To strive for victory is to chase outcomes — trophies, scores and applause. It’s fleeting, driven by external validation. On the other hand, striving for excellence is about committing to the process; it’s measured by growth, integrity and impact. It’s enduring and internally motivated.
Yes, excellence and winning can go hand in hand…but not always. Some of the most powerful moments in sport, and indeed in life, don’t come from winning. Sometimes they come from the pursuit of something greater.
The Broncos and Lions didn’t just win — they embodied excellence; their success built on four pillars: talent, commitment, resilience and courage.
Talent was undeniable. Will Ashcroft’s Norm Smith Medal performance, Reece Walsh’s brilliance earning the Clive Churchill Medal and Tamika Upton’s electrifying 170-metre run, breaking five tackles to score, all showcased elite skill.
Resilience was evident. Each team faced setbacks — losses, injuries, doubts — and came back stronger. They didn’t fold; they ignited in scintillating performance.
Commitment shone steadfastly with loyalty and unity. These teams were cohesive, focused and determined to lift each other.
Courage was everywhere. Lachie Neale played through pain, Walsh made try-saving tackle after try saving tackle. Ali Brigginshaw made crucial defensive plays before being forced off with injury.
Excellence isn’t exclusive to winners. It’s found in effort, bravery and authenticity. The Geelong Cat’s Jeremy Cameron made a superhuman one handed tackle despite a broken arm. The Storm’s Jahrome Hughes showed true grit playing with an arm fracture; Tamika Upton’s blinding brilliance was one for the ages…and did I mention Taylor Swift’s new album?
For Eddies Men, to strive for excellence is to make the most of individual talents, to have the courage to make mistakes and the resilience to learn from them. On Wednesday, we honoured our Service Award winners, representative players and premiership teams. As is right we affirmed and congratulated them, but we also need to challenge our young men with the question - Are they chasing trophies or transformation? Are they striving to be the best version of themselves? Are they authentic Eddies Men, on the field, on the stage, in the classroom, in friendships, in leadership? Winning is temporary. Excellence is lasting.
To all our award winners: congratulations and well done. To the athletes in our Track and Field Team as they compete for the College in the AIC carnival, good luck. Keep striving for excellence. Keep trying to be better. And if you win — well, that’s a bonus!
