South Australian hockey’s young guns to watch at junior nationals, include Aiden Cameron, Katie Sharkey, Bryce Hammond

The Hockey Australia junior championships are underway with U18s and U15s teams from across the country competing. See our list of South Aussie stars to watch.

The Hockey Australia junior championships for U18s and U15s are underway in both Queensland and New South Wales respectively.

South Australian teams have travelled to compete over the next week of play.

SA’s U15 boys recorded a 5-2 win over host state NSW yesterday, while the girls are yet to record a win after two games.

In the U18s competition in Queensland, the men’s side has played two and lost two, while the women have lost two and recorded a draw with ACT.

With many games to be played over the coming days, we’ve got the rising SA stars to keep an eye on.

AIDEN CAMERON (U18)

Limestone Coast Regional Sporting Academy

Now a five-time state representative, Cameron has been made part of the leadership group for this year’s SA U18 team.

The Mount Gambier product impressed in 2021 and has started 2022 strongly, continuing his career with Seacliff.

A versatile player, Cameron can play multiple roles and shows great athleticism and strength on the field.

RILEY TAPE (U18)

Adelaide Hockey Club star Tape is another member of SA’s leadership group and will be a strong presence for the women, having also played in the championships last year.

Tape was a key part of Adelaide’s grand final run last season, and is looking to continue her form in 2022 with a strong nationals display.

The gun midfielder’s presence on the ball will be much-needed as her team looks to improve through the next week.

KATIE SHARKEY (U18)

Captaining alongside Tape, Sharkey continues to be an exciting midfielder for both South Australia and Seacliff.

Sharkey is aiming for a National Futures selection this season, and a strong performance at nationals would be the first step toward achieving her goal.

The 17-year-old is one of the most important players in the side, with the ability to create endless opportunities for her teammates.

FINN WALSH (U18)

Adelaide Hockey Club’s Finn Walsh has improved year on year for both SA and his local club.

Walsh possesses strong versatility, with the ability to defend and also get involved in promising attacking moves if needed.

The talented U18 has also become a successful official, umpiring Premier League games in 2021.

BRYCE HAMMOND (U15)

Byce Hammond in action for South Australia's during last year’s nationals. Picture: ClickInFocus

Talented midfielder Hammond has already scored three goals for SA in this year’s national championships, and continues to dominate against the nation’s best.

Coming out of Port Lincoln and through St Joseph’s, Hammond has made huge strides in his game in recent years.

The Marauders star will be one to keep an eye on as he continues to develop.

EMILY HOLLAND (U15)

Emily Holland (second from right) remains in the South Australian side after her 2021 campaign. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Adelaide’s Emily Holland takes to the field for SA again in 2022 after travelling for nationals in 2021.

Holland is a skilful player who can take over a game with defensive work or with offensive creativity.

The youngster has improved substantially for her local club and continues to catch the eye of state selectors as a result.

LUCIA ANDRAE (U15)

A talented goalkeeper out of Burnside Hockey Club, Andrae will provide the SA U15 girls with strong security at the back.

The rising star is a skilful shot-stopper who is not afraid to give direction to her defensive teammates.

Look for her to have a solid national championships campaign in goal.

BRAYDEN MROZEK (U15)

Brayden Mrozek was a talented junior soccer player for Gawler before catapulting himself to the top of junior hockey in the region. Picture: TAIT SCHMAAL

2021 Barossa Valley Hockey Association best and fairest winner Brayden Mrozek is one of the most dominant players in SA’s U15 side.

The gifted 13-year-old – who has represented both the Gawler and Port Adelaide hockey clubs – was previously a local soccer star before committing to hockey and has earned a big reputation of late.

Mrozek possesses impressive skills on the ball and his vision and creativity make him deadly.