Sport
7 January, 2026
McLoughlan achieves rare premiership feat
Ararat’s Xavier McLoughlan has achieved a rare footballing feat, becoming part of the club’s 2025 senior premiership triumph over the Southern Mallee Thunder to secure his fourth premiership with the same club, one in every grade he has played.
Due to Wimmera Football Netball League records not being fully up to date, it is currently unclear whether any other player has achieved the same milestone, making McLoughlan’s accomplishment all the more remarkable.
McLoughlan’s premiership journey began in 2018, when he was part of Ararat’s under-14 side that defeated Horsham by 54 points.
In 2022, he captained the under-17 team to a 38-point grand final victory over Horsham, before adding a third flag in 2023 as part of the Reserves side’s narrow two-point win, again against Horsham.
He made his senior debut in 2024, playing 12 matches before a broken collarbone cut his season short. McLoughlan returned strongly in 2025, featuring in 19 senior games and cementing his place in the side as Ararat claimed the premiership.
McLoughlan said he was grateful to be part of such a strong club environment.
“It’s always an honour to play in a premiership, especially one in each grade of my career,” he said.
“It’s not something I ever set out to achieve, but to be able to look back on it now is pretty special.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play alongside some great teammates and under some fantastic coaches over the years, and this achievement is just as much a reflection of them and how strong the club is as a whole.”
He said the under-17 premiership remained one of the most memorable moments of his career.
“To be named captain was great, but we had plenty of strong leaders in that team,” McLoughlan said.
“Being underdogs and beating both Horsham teams in the finals made it even more memorable.”
Looking ahead to 2026, Ararat will be chasing a fourth consecutive premiership, with McLoughlan keen to continue improving and contributing to the side.
“I’m looking forward to us being a contender again and hopefully winning another flag,” he said.
“This year, I’ll be working hard on my fitness and continuing to improve my skills.”
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