Premier League SA hockey players to watch including Connor Spouse, Emma De Broughe

Hockey SA Premier League season begins on Saturday, with star-studded lineups across the board. Ahead of round one, we’ve got the must-watch players in 2022.

South Australia’s Premier League hockey season is set to start this weekend, with blockbuster men’s and women’s match-ups on Saturday and Sunday.

Both competitions have star players across the board, and clubs have maintained strong squads as they aim for the title in 2022.

Reigning men’s premier Seacliff has retained the services of star man Connor Spouse, while defending women’s champion Adelaide and star Michaela Spano will look to go back-to-back.

Ahead of the round one match-ups on Saturday and Sunday, we’ve listed the must-watch players this year.

CONNOR SPOUSE

Seacliff

Seacliff’s Connor Spouse (left) with Adelaide star Angus Fry before last season’s grand final. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Spouse continued to star for Seacliff in 2021, leading his club to another premiership over Adelaide.

One of the leaders of the club, Spouse remains one of the best in the competition at controlling the tempo of play and creating for his teammates.

His presence will again be of significant value to Seacliff as they prepare to win two in a row in 2022.

EMMA DE BROUGHE

Seacliff

Emma De Broughe is set for another spectacular year at Seacliff. Picture: MATT LOXTON

21-year-old star Emma De Broughe, who also plays first grade cricket, looks set for a dominant 2022.

The talented striker has been representing SA at state level since 2018 and has also represented the country at youth level.

While Seacliff fell just short in its women’s grand final against Adelaide last year, De Broughe could be the one to turn the club’s fortunes around.

LEAH WELSTEAD

Seacliff

Leah Welstead (yellow) in action against Grange last season. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Welstead is a long-time representative for Australia and her versatility continues to take Seacliff to the top.

She had a strong performance against Adelaide in her side’s losing grand final and was dominant throughout 2021.

Wesltead’s ability to score timely goals and setup the rest of her side will be much-needed this season.

ANGUS FRY

Adelaide 

Angus Fry will be ready to go this season after his Adelaide side lost to Connor Spouse (left) and Seacliff in the 2021 grand final. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Champion Adelaide striker Angus Fry was the men’s best and fairest in 2021 after a stellar season up top for Adelaide.

The gun forward scored a sensational 29 goals for his club last season, and it would be a surprise if he did not continue that level of play in 2022.

The club was disappointed with its loss to Seacliff in the grand final but rest assured Fry will use that as motivation as he aims to back up another sensational year.

MICHAELA SPANO

Adelaide 

Michaela Spano (left) competing for SA at state level. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Spano remains a versatile threat for Adelaide’s women’s side, taking her game to new heights since making the national development team in 2020.

She starred up front and on the wings for her club in its winning 2021 grand final, and could be even more deadly in 2022 with more winning experience under her belt.

Opposition defences would have Spano marked down as a major threat to stop throughout the year.

JULIET MALLINSON

Port Adelaide

Port Adelaide’s Juliet Mallinson was a terror for opposition defences in 2021 and will continue her strong form this year. Picture: Dean Martin

Mallinson had arguably her best ever year in 2021, and should deliver much of the same in 2022.

The skilled striker scored a competition-best 34 goals for Port Adelaide last season, completely taking over almost every game she played in.

Port Adelaide surprisingly had no teams in the grand finals last season after years of dominance, but another strong year from Mallinson and the club could promptly get back to the top.

SCOTT GERMEIN

Port Adelaide

Scott Germein (right) is looking to lead Port Adelaide back to the top in 2022. Picture: Tom Huntley

Magpies captain Scott Germein would be eager to get his side back to premiership contention after a disappointing result in 2021.

The veteran midfielder has been a dominant force for years at Premier League level and continues to lead by example on the field.

His ability to make strong decisions under pressure and setup his side going forward, or cover his defenders going back, makes him one of the biggest weapons in the competition.

PAXTON SILBY

Grange

Paxton Silby controls play against Adelaide Uni. Picture: MATT LOXTON

Silby has become the Royals’ best player and looks to be back to his brilliant best after a strong 2021.

His ability on the ball improves with every season at state and club level, and his influence over Grange’s potency going forward is undeniable.

The club could be one of the high flyers this season if Silby can continue his development around the field.

Fixtures for round one of the Hockey SA Premier League this weekend are as follows:

Men

Seacliff vs Port Adelaide – Saturday 5pm

Forestville vs North East – Saturday 5pm

Adelaide vs Burnside – Sunday 3.30pm

Grange vs Adelaide Uni – Sunday 3.30pm

Women 

Seacliff vs Port Adelaide – Saturday 3.30pm

Forestville vs North East – Saturday 3.30pm

Adelaide vs Burnside – Sunday 2pm

Grange vs Adelaide Uni – Sunday 2pm