Zac Spiers can cook a mean steak but has many more talents. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
As part of our regular series on high achieving Riverina Year 12 graduates, we met Marian Catholic College’s Zac Spiers.
The 18-year-old has long been known for his Aussie Rules prowess with the Griffith Swans but has also achieved success academically. He has received an early entry to study a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Wollongong and will be heading straight there in January next year.
Find out below about Zac’s schooling life, love of sport and cooking, his inspirations, plans and dream career.
Name: Zac Spiers.
Age: 18.
Primary school: St Mary’s at Yoogali.
High School: Marian Catholic College.
Reason for your success – hard work or natural ability?: I think I have a fair bit of natural ability. But I did work hard too.
Best memory of school: All the sports I’ve played with the boys over the years. I’ve played AFL, soccer and futsal.
Jack at his graduation with his mum and role model Linda. Photo: Facebook.
Naughtiest thing you ever did at school: I’ve been sent out of class a few times.
Teacher that inspired you: Mr Morris. He was my mentor and he was really into what I liked, subjects such as maths. I found him inspirational.
One thing you’d change about the education system: I don’t think exams should define what you do later in life.
Role models: My parents. Simon and Linda Spiers. My dad was an engineer too so I’ve always admired what he did.
Famous person you most admire and why: Melbourne Demons AFL player Christian Petracca. He’s known for his cookbook and for his exploits in the kitchen on social media. I like him because I also love to cook.
Plans for 2026: I’m going straight to Wollongong to start university. I feel I’d become disinterested if I took a gap year; I want to keep the momentum going. I’ll also look for an Aussie Rules club to play for there.
What will you miss most about Griffith: My family and the Italian food, especially my favourite restaurant Il Corso.
What won’t you miss about Griffith: The lack of a beach and nightlife.
World travel destinations you have visited: Italy, England and France.
One place you’d love to see: Fiji.
Social issue you most care about: The environment and climate change.
Special skills: My cooking. I can make a perfect steak; I know how to judge the timing and the colour. I’m also pretty good at Aussie Rules.
Dream career job: Professional AFL player.
If you know a Riverina Year 12 student worthy of recognition, drop us a line at [email protected] or call 0498 843 181.
