Mackay Hockey talent earns selection for Junior World Cups

Mackay’s hockey talent is shining bright as three young players are named in national squads, with the potential to make their mark on the world stage at the upcoming Junior World Cups.

Keeley Walker, Eddie Westcott and Jordan Bliss have all been named as part of the Australian under-21 squads for this years World Junior Cup in Chile this December. Picture: Mackay Hockey

Mackay is celebrating the selection of three young hockey players named in the Jillaroos and Burras Under-21 squads to compete in the Junior World Cups later this year.

Jordan Bliss and Keeley Walker join the Jillaroos squad while Eddie Westcott has earned his spot in the Burra’s squad.

The three players have been selected as part of a pool of 27 young athletes who all competed in the 2023 Hockey Australia U21 Championships in Sydney earlier this year.

The final selections were based on performances from the championships, as well as last year’s Hockey One League and the Oceania Junior World Cup Qualifiers against New Zealand.

Keeley Walker (far right) has earned her spot in the Australian Jillaroos squad ahead of the world junior cup in Chile later this year. Picture: Mackay Hockey

Jillaroos coach Stacia Strain expressed excitement over the level of talent in the squad, stating that they have selected athletes who cannot only vie for spots at the Junior World Cup, but also contribute to the Jillaroos program next year and in 2025.

“We have selected athletes we think can vie for spots,” Strain said.

“But also athletes who can progress and contribute to the Jillaroos program next year and in 2025.”

Strain also believes that the Jillaroos can finish on top of the podium in Chile in December.

Burra’s coach Jay Stacey echoed Strain’s sentiments, saying that the depth of talent at the U21 level is evident and that they have selected some really strong talent.

“The depth is certainly evident at under-21 level and there are some guys who remain in the squad from last year.” Stacey said.

“We have selected some really strong talent which provides great competition within the squad … This is a nice problem to have.”

Jordan Bliss, a goalkeeper for the Brisbane Blaze in last year’s Hockey One Competition, has been selected for the Jillaroos squad.

Mackays own Jordan Bliss makes her Debut for the Brisbane Blaze in Perth

The news has left Bliss feeling emotional expressing her pride not just to wear the green and gold but also in her friends Keeley and Eddie for their selection into the squad.

“Being selected is a pretty surreal feeling,” Bliss said.

“Wearing the green and gold is something you can’t even describe.

“(I am) very proud to see both my childhood friends Keeley and Eddie named.

“I’ve grown up with both of them at Mackay hockey and have both just flourished into the most amazing people on and off the field.

“I just know without the support of all of my past and current coaches, teammates and family none of this would be possible.”

Bliss is no stranger to national teams or squads, having made the Jillaroos side in 2019 when the U16 squad took on South Africa.

She is also a 15-time representative for Hockey Queensland.

Jordan Bliss (left) pictured ahead of her first Australian experience at under-16 level, which now just four years later has prepared her for the biggest test yet with the under-21 squad. Picture: Mackay Hockey

Westcott has been selected for the Burras squad and is the only man from Mackay on either squad.

However, the young star has plenty of team experience with Queensland.

He was voted last year‘s Best and Fairest for the state at the Indoor national championships, and after a stellar performance at this year’s nationals, he earned his first Australian nod.

Picture: Mackay Hockey

Westcott now has his opportunity to earn a spot in the team come December and become the next in a long line of Mackay men’s hockey talents.

Walker, a talented midfielder, joins Bliss as part of the Jillaroos squad.

Keeley Walker is ready to go ahead of her first major Australian selection and she aims to leave her mark on the Australian under-21 squad this year. Picture: Mackay Hockey

“To be named in the Australian Jillaroos squad is exciting and something I’ve worked hard to achieve,” Walker said.

“It’s even more exciting to be named alongside two of my Mackay teammates … to share this team with them makes it even more special.”

Walker has already amassed an impressive resume of international experience, having been a part of the Australian School Girls tour of Europe at Under 16‘s before joining the Queensland side for their tour of Europe later that same year.

She will train and compete alongside some of the nation’s best and push her case for selection come the end of the year.