Hancocks, Easts, Norths lead charge for premiership honours

Hancocks have an incredible record seven sides preparing for this weekend’s grand finals. See how the major rivals shape up for the premiership challenges.

It’s Ipswich hockey grand final weekend which means months of hard work are put to the ultimate test.

Eight clubs are represented with Hancocks, Easts and Norths leading the charge on Friday night and Saturday at the Ipswich Hockey Complex.

Hancocks have an incredible seven sides preparing for this weekend’s grand finals. They are in A-Grade men and women, Reserve Grade men, J1 and J2 boys and A2 and R2 men.

Having so many teams qualify for grand finals sent club officials searching to see if it was a record.

“We spoke to the life members and everyone we could find and we believe it’s the first time ever we’ve had a men’s team in every grand final,’’ Hancocks club president Grant Schultz said.

“It’s a pretty exciting time for us.’’

Hancocks A-Grade women are looking for back-to-back grand final glory joining the club’s impressive line-up of men’s sides this season. Picture: David Lems

As for why the club had performed so well this season, Schultz praised the widespread contributions.

“I think everyone has just done that little bit extra this year,’’ he said.

That included covering for player shortfalls to ensure Hancocks was well represented all the grades.

“We listened to our members who said they were prepared to play two games a weekend to make sure that we can build a team in every grade,’’ Schultz said.

“We did and it’s been great.’’

Hancocks player/coach Sara Rogers. Picture: David Lems

A-Grade men’s and women’s coach Sara Rogers agreed, having shared in both grand final victories last year. She’s also preparing for her 20th year of A-Grade next year.

“We’re a very proud Ipswich club with a very long and successful history,’’ Rogers said.

“It’s impressive, even with lockdowns, to be able field quality teams with committed players.

“We are proud of the shirt on our backs and we have all, particularly the senior teams, have played together for many years. We enjoy each other’s company on and off the field.’’

Hancocks has also been focusing on development in recent seasons.

Schultz said great coaching and record numbers of juniors getting involved into Hookin2Hockey had been beneficial.

“We only think it will keep growing,’’ he said.

The club president commended Ben French for taking over as Reserve Grade men’s coach and guiding them to the grand final.

“The Reserve Grade men was a team where throughout the year everyone filled in,’’ Schultz said.

“Ben has worked with a mix-mash of players all year and they’ve really come together in the finals and last weekend’s game was fabulous by them.’’

Hancocks beat Norths 2-1 in extra-time shootouts after the teams were level 3-3 after regular play.

Hancocks tackle Easts in Saturday’s 3.15pm decider.

Talented young Tigers on the prowl after club rebuild

Easts club president Paul Malcolm has an added reason to feel satisfied as five Tigers sides prepare for a final showdown.

They are in the Reserve Grade men, R2 men, J1 boys, D Grade girls and E-Grade girls competitions.

“We’ve been really happy. It’s the juniors again have gone really well,’’ Malcolm said.

Easts Hockey Club president Paul Malcolm is excited having seen a massive junior rebuild. Picture: David Lems

Malcolm is particularly proud of the minor premiership-winning E-grade girls, the influx of talent in the junior boys competition and the R2 men’s incredible surge to the season decider.

“We managed to get two under-11 boys teams in the comp. They both made finals so that was encouraging,’’ he said.

The Easts Gold R2 men’s side is a team of 13-15 year olds being guided by club stalwart Dan Mantell and loyal A-Grade player Kyle Sippel as coach.

“That group of boys was when I first took over as president when I stopped playing A-Grade,’’ Malcolm said. “Back then it was the under 10 and we won the grand final.

“That same group of kids have gone right through.’’

With no under-15 competition this year, the youngsters were given a run in the men’s R2 season.

“For a team of 15 and 14 year old boys to make the grand final in a senior men’s competition is really exciting for me,’’ Malcolm said. “Especially since most of those kids I’ve had since Hookin2Hockey.

“I feel the rebuild that I started six years ago as president is finally getting towards completion.

“I’m hoping those boys from that R2 side will move into Reserve Grade, A-Grade after this year.’’

The Easts Gold boys play Hancocks in Saturday’s 11.45am grand final.

Malcolm played in the club’s second R2 side - Easts Black - this year watching the Tigers youngsters develop and peak at the right time.

“They are a great little team and Kyle Sippel has done a great job with them over the last couple of years,’’ the club president said.

The Easts R2 side that is developing some fine hockey players of the future.

Malcolm said stalwarts in the Easts Reserve Grade grand final side were also helping the young guns.

“I’d say 80 per cent of that side is the old Easts A-Grade side that dominated years ago,’’ he said.

That features experienced players like Daniel Mantell, Lindsay Marsh and Dean Boughen along with Woodford brothers Tim and Luke.

“They are playing a massive part in bringing our juniors up to speed, getting them ready for the higher grades,’’ Malcolm said.

Teenagers like Ryan Pickering and Andrew Batten have tasted A-Grade this season.

“It’s really exciting for kids I had in Hookin2Hockey to see them running around playing in A-Grade and Reserve Grade and making finals in R2,’’ Malcolm said.

“It’s a great accomplishment for everyone involved who brought those guys through with the rebuild.

“It was only six years ago when we had no A-Grade side.

“To have the numbers we have now - both men and women - and how the club is travelling is really exciting.’’

Easts J1 boys are bracing for a tight battle with Hancocks where both sides have won two games against each other this season.

Easts E-grade girls were dominant as minor premiers.

Players in the Norths A-Grade hockey team assess the state of play during a match this season. Picture: David Lems

Devils rally in pleasing end to season

Norths club president Leanne Haley was also encouraged by her club’s youth development with several teams progressing to semi-finals and two among the club’s five sides to reach the grand final.

The Devils teams to qualify for Saturday’s showdowns are A-Grade men, Reserve Grade women, J2 boys, C-Grade girls (including some Bellbowrie girls) and R2 women.

“It was really good,’’ Haley said. “Come the semis, we had all bar two teams in.

“So considering all of our ups and downs and ‘will we, won’t we’ play, it’s really quite a good result.

“We were short in a few teams but everyone rallied around.’’

Haley was especially happy with the club’s junior players moving up into senior ranks.

“Like in our R2 Reserve Grade ladies, so hopefully we can get our A-Grade side next year,’’ she said.

“It’s been a good development and probably all of our girls and boys were jumping up to a bigger grade and no-one thought at the beginning of the year that they would make semis, and they made the prelims.

“So I’d say our junior development was very exciting too.’’

A number of C-Grade girls will also play in the Reserve Grade women’s grand final.

“Managing them at the weekend is probably the trickiest thing we have to do,’’ Haley said.

“And our J2 boys and R2 ladies play at the same time (10am) so we have to split our support.’’

Other clubs with grand final hopes are Thistles (A-Grade women, E-Grade girls and A2 women), Swifts (C-Grade girls and Reserve women), Wests (A2 men and D-Grade girls), Bellbowrie (A2 women) and Vets (R2 women).

Saturday will be the final Hookin2Hockey session being celebrated with carnival rides and food vans as part of a Family Finals Fun Day.

6.45pm Saturday: A Grade Men’s grand final - Hancock Brothers v Norths

Hancocks: Reid Jackwitz, Brendan Michel, Kyle Dolan-Roth, James McAlpine, Aaron Dodds, Jarrod Carseldine, Sam Morgan (captain), Jay Pavitt, Sam Dobbie, Hayden Michel, Zac Hoyland-Meaker, Ryan Smith, Nathan Smith, Joe Burns, Jackson Willie, Ben French. Coach: Sara Rogers. Assistant: Ben Darby. Manager: Lachlan Kunde.

Norths: Luke Brown, Aidan Buckley, Archie Cameron, Blake Douglas, Steven Ihle, Kyle Jackson, Dean Jeffrey, Cian McLaughlin, Beau Milburn, Cale Oborne, Baxter Powell, Riley Profke, Zac Profke, Stephen Rogers, Ben Suthers, Jake Thornton.

Norths hockey coach Steve Profke. Picture: David Lems

Norths A-Grade men’s coach Steve Profke is hoping everything comes together in the grand final after a testing year.

“We’ve had a terrible season with all the rep interruptions,’’ Profke said.

“We started well, then rep came and everything was a nightmare.

“I think we’ve had 28 players through the team this year.’’

The return of long-time Norths sharpshooter Steve “Dodger’’ Rogers was welcome.

“Dodger returning part way through the year to help me out with the kids has been great for me too,’’ Profke said.

“He’s come back into the senior roll with Deano (Dean Jeffries) and they are really good at explaining and running through stuff with the younger boys.’’

Respected umpire and valuable Norths clubman Steve Rogers.

Profke conceded the 6-0 loss to competition frontrunners Hancocks in the qualifying final was needed.

“It was a definite wake-up call losing by so much to Hancocks that’s for sure,’’ the Norths coach said.

“The Hancocks game was horrible. We were 100% outclassed. It was a good reminder about complacency and respect and just expecting to do the same things we’ve done all year and we’d be fine.

“It was a good grounding for the following week.’’

Norths hit back beating Wests 3-2 in the preliminary final last weekend.

Profke expected to have his regular A-Graders available for the 6.45pm A-Grade rematch with Hancocks.

Asked what would most please him apart from winning, Profke answered: “Knowing that we have such a strong young group now to build into the next few years is still the highlight for me’’.

Hancocks A-Grade men’s coach Sara Rogers said having an extra week off made little difference to her fit and fast team’s grand final preparation.

“Everyone is fit and healthy and ready to g0,’’ she said.

Ipswich, Queensland and Australian under-21 hockey representative Zac Profke is always dangerous in big matches. Picture: David Lems

Rogers said penalty corner specialist Zac Profke was the major threat, along with experienced Norths duo Steven Ihle and Dean Jeffrey.

Rogers said her most improved players this season included goalkeeper Reid Jackwitz, striker Joe Butta and striker Aston Jackwitz.

“Reid has continued to improve season to season. He has really started to come out of his shell,’’ the coach said.

“Joe is one of our younger players who commits to training every single week and has scored some great goals this year.

“Aston is another young striker who has matured as a player this year.’’

5pm Saturday: A Grade Women’s grand final - Hancock Brothers v Thistles

Hancocks: Victoria Heffernan, Kelly McNamara, Natalie Davison, Abby Eleison, Sara Rogers, Genevieve Ferguson, Layla Eleison, Caleisha Harper, Kayley Armstrong, Robyn Clarke, Bree Armstrong, Miranda Kunde, Latisha Willie, Kimberley Nunn, Elyse Wozencroft, Ryleigh Conway. Coach: Sara Rogers. Assistant: James Want. Manager: Aimee McDermott.

Thistles: Caitlin Canty, Talicia Canty, Bridget Carkett, Hannah Casey, Maddie Gray, Micaela Hughes, Tayla Madden, Olivia O’Brien, Kaja Roberts, Serena Robertson, Adriana Silcock, Jessie Staples, Marine Van der wath, Emily Witheyman-Crump, Nicole Yearbury. Coach: Sam Morgan. Manager: Sharon Pavitt.

Ever-busy coach and player Rogers is also backing her Hancocks women’s side to complete a successful season in style.

With no injury concerns, Rogers said her side was confident but respectful playing Thistles.

“They (Thistles) played a solid game against Wests last week (winning 3-0 in the preliminary final),’’ Rogers said.

“They will have a lot of confidence coming into our game and they play well when they are confident.’’

Rogers wasn’t surprised Thistles advanced ahead of Wests given they had some close games all season.

The Hancocks A-Grade player/coach rated goalkeeper Victoria Heffernan, defender Abby Eleison and sisters Kayley and Bree Armstrong among the most improved players in her team.

Heffernan has only conceded eight goals this year “and that’s full credit to how she has performed’’.

“Abby has grown in maturity on the field,’’ Rogers said.

“Kayley (striker) and Bree (defender) have both improved this season with confidence and making smart options on the field.’’

Other Ipswich hockey grand finals

FRIDAY

7pm: A2 Grade Men - Wests v Hancock Brothers

Teams unavailable.

8.30pm: A2 Grade Women - Thistles v Bellbowrie

Thistles: Stephanie Brown, Jesyka Currie, Kerri Dutney, Colleen Hannah, Lauren Harris, Claire Heffernan, Emma Klepzig, Christine Liddell, Tracey Maguire, Christina Nipperess-Sims, Sharon Pavitt, Kathryn Robinson, Loretta Steele, Marie Wilson, Tahnee Wright. Coach: Pauline Alchin.

Bellbowrie: Louise Clevens, Lisa Quinn, Michelle Ballarin, Yvette Job, Marianna Smit, Cheryl Boyle, Dannielle Bates, Alyssa McDougall, Debbie Greenalsh, Ashleigh Cousins, Toni McCulloch, Gabrielle Risby, Handley Randall, Maria Lizarazu, Jody Jarret.

SATURDAY

8.30am: E Grade Girls - Easts v Thistles (field 1)

Easts: Charlotte Cappellano, Emmy Denton, Lillian Smith (co-captain), Olivia Vermeer, Lilah Hooper, Fern Goodsell, Jaime Hansen (co-captain), Felicity Smith, Danielle Mole, Malani Davidson-Fewquandie, Lily Tyers, Kalayah Doolan, Ivy Sawyer. Coach: Julie Francis. Manager: Jodi Vermeer.

Thistles: Samantha Dawson, Stella French, Xyrille Glenn, Amelia Gotting, Ava-Rose Jackson, Emeilia Janke, Keira Moller, Charlotte Muller, Maddie Nickson, Indigo Nisson, Gemma Pearson, Shevaun Rafferty, Isabelle Scantlebury, Jasmine Wenck, Eloise White, Jessica White. Coach: Caroline Muller.

10am: J2 Boys - Norths v Hancock Brothers (field 2)

Norths: Mackinley Ashton-Bell, Caelan Aston-Quinn, Ethan Bauer, Flynn Bauer, Kobie Bunnett, Lucas Buttery, Jacob Cox, Michael DiRosa, Kobie Hill, George Jones, Jax Kent/Wilson, Charlie Manz, Alexander Mesken, Oliver Mesken, Owen Mitchell, Kia Parlett.

Hancocks: Unavailable.

10am: R2 Women - Vets v Norths (field 1)

Vets: Shannon Ashton, Lynne Barnes, Karla Black (captain), Benita Blunden, Sue Collins, Lynette Davey, Sue Drummond (GK), Linda Fisher, Sarah Francis, Teleah McPeake, Genevieve Martins, Mara Morgan, Sharree Morris, Emma-Jane Oldham, Janet Peters, Brihony Simpson. Coach: Vanessa Kissane. Manager: Lyn Brown. First Aid: June Nicholls.

Norths: Renee Abbott, Bianca Boxsel, Kathy Burns, Sarah Cooper, Katrina Dale, Bianca Ellison, Janette Gray, Keely Hanson, Yasmin Leeder, Helen McGregor, Diana Newton, Laura O’Connor, Babette Page, Kira Wilson.

11.45am: D Grade Girls - Easts v Wests (field 2)

Easts: Caitlin Memory (captain), Sarah Savage, Madyssen Mole, Bridie Smith, Victoria Tange, Dejay Hollis, Grace Batten, Te’Arah Campbell, Abbygail Adie, Breeanna Anderson, Bethany Brooks, Gervais Mooney, Ellinore McKinnon (GK), Tamara McPeake. Coach: Leanne Savage. Manager: Jay Memory.

Wests: Unavailable.

11.45am: R2 Men - Hancock Brothers v Easts Gold (field 1)

Easts Gold: Alex Zumbansen, Ryan Pickering, Sam Savage (captain), Lachlan Savage, Dan Mantell, Jack White, Harrison Memory, Aidan Hanson, Lachlan McDermott Parkes, Mitch Tange, Nate Capellano, Andrew Batten, Martin Batten, Sam Morris, Luke Morris, Tom Savage. Coach: Kyle Sippel. Manager: Jason White.

Hancocks: Unavailable.

1.30pm: J1 Grade Boys - Easts v Hancock Brothers (field 2)

Easts: Tom Savage (captain), Lachlan O’Connor, Noah O’Connor, Luke Morris, Sam Morris, Archie Richardson, Kohen Wesche, Cooper Malcolm, James Di rosa, Trent Brooks, Bailey McPherson, Mavrick Currie, Kiernan Tunstall, Nic Morris, Tahnae Campbell, Thomas Tyers. Coach: Patrick Denny. Manager: Clarke Tunstall.

Hancocks: Unavailable.

1.30pm: Reserve Women - Norths v Swifts (field 1)

Norths: Erin Bartlam, Lani Blackman, Jessica Chaplin, Anita Davey, Bella Forde, Chelsea Hinze, Yasmin Leeder, Sarah Parlett, Mia Ross, Georgia Scott, Ashleigh Wode, Babette Page, Stephanie Wode, Dakota Wenzel-Stephan, Charlotte McDowell, Emily Noga.

Swifts: Alyce Blore, Stephannie Bramham, Courtney Dixon, Kasey Dixon, Jessica Dodd, Gracie Dombroski, Lianna Doyle, Rebecca Finn, Katie-Jane Henderson, Kirsty Lenaghan, Kacey Nguyen, Ashlee Pascoe, Hannah Petersen (GK), Amber Tolley, Grace Wilson, Abby Wells. 

3.15pm: C Grade Girls - Northern Strikers v Swifts (field 2)

Northern Strikers: Holley Biddle, Claudia Casey, Catalina Castano, Krystal Fleeton, Natalie Hoppe, Maya Lamichhane, Ellie Land, Charlotte McDowell, Piper McGrath, Krystal Melksham, Emily Noga, Olivia Ross, Chane Smit, Dakota Wenzel-Stephan, Stephanie Wode.

Swifts: Kaylee Baldwin (GK), Sophie Baldwin, Annabelle Cobbin, Kelsey Dickie, Gracie Dombroski, Addison Harris, Tilly-Kate Jones, Amelie Masaoka, Aliesha Meloury, Aaliyah Parkin, Ashlee Pascoe, Keirah Petersen, Charlotte Philp, Abby Wells, Ellie West.

3.15pm: Reserve Men - Easts v Hancock Brothers (field 1)

Easts: Logan McDonald, Luke Woodford, Adam Mantell, Patrick Denny, Gerard Sharp, Aiden Snook, Dean Boughen, Steven Bayliss, Max Schultz, Tim Woodford, Kyle Sippel (captain), Lindsay Marsh, Sam Savage, Lachlan Savage, Dan Mantell. Coach: Leanne Savage. Assistant coach: Chris Mantell. Manager: Darryl Savage.

Hancocks: Unavailable.