A three-state, four-club composite crew makes up the quadruple scull set to contest this year’s U19 World Rowing Championships in Lithuania. Comprising members from Victoria, West Australia, and Queensland, the ‘Aus Bus’ has been based between the Yarra River and Ballarat for most of their training, after spending some time at their respective home clubs following trials.
Eoghan Johnson – Commercial Rowing Club (QLD)
The first of no doubt many juniors to make their Australian debut from the revamped Commercial Rowing Club programme that has seen incredible success over the past two seasons, Eoghan Johnson has made the move down from sunny Queensland for the quad. Fresh off a bronze in the single and a silver in this boat class at nationals, Johnson’s small boat experience this season will be key in getting this boat up to speed.
Lucas Cardaci – West Australian Rowing Club (WA)
Making the move ‘over east’ from Western Australia, Lucas Cardaci brings the crew a wealth of experience in different boat classes. A graduate of Trinity College in 2024, Cardaci has progressed well throughout the season this year, taking medals in the U19 double and quad at Nationals. Utilising this experience to help bring together the unique rowing style of a quad will be vital in the progression of this combination.
Max Mason – Wendouree Ballarat (VIC)
Hailing from the central-Victorian town of Ballarat, Max Mason caps off a highly successful schoolboy season with a selection in the Australian quad. After claiming back-to-back national titles in the schoolboy coxed four for Ballarat Clarendon, Mason demonstrated his versatility by adding a national championship in the quad this year too.
Monty Sallabank – Melbourne Grammar School (VIC)
The only athlete in this crew representing their school for the majority of the season, Monty Sallabank, rounds out the combination from Melbourne Grammar School. The MGS eight showed flashes of brilliance this year, winning their heat at nationals, but ultimately failed to convert in the finals. Judging by the crew’s progress on their Instagram page, Sallabank is ready to right those wrongs in Lithuania.
Coach: Jamie McDonald – Wendouree Ballarat (VIC)
