18-year-old Haiden Mellifont and his Queensland side claim state’s first U21 indoor hockey title

A rising Mackay hockey talent has helped lead his Queensland side to the national indoor title, despite being three years younger than his teammates and opposition. More here.

At just 18 years of age, Haiden Mellifont is an U21 national champion. Picture: Supplied.

Queensland’s U21 indoor hockey side has been crowned national champions for the first time.

And Mackay local Haiden Mellifont, despite being just 18 years of age, was in the thick of the action.

“He played really well over the week, had really good game time and held his own for his age,” said his father, Neil Mellifont.

The Queensland side would rally following a 6-2 loss at the hands of Western Australia early in the campaign, keeping an undefeated record for the remainder of the tournament.

Heading into Thursday’s grand final high on confidence, a tense affair with New South Wales would ensue, with the sides locked at 2 apiece at the conclusion of regulation time, before Queensland prevailed 1-0 in the shootout.

Haiden Mellifont and his national championship winning Queensland U21 side. Picture: Supplied.

“I was pretty proud of him,” Neil said.

Haiden’s success in the indoor arena should come as no surprise despite his youth, given the fullback has figured in state indoor teams since age 12.

And while many view the indoor arena as a space to hone their craft for the more renowned outdoor game, Haiden sees it as his main passion.

“He’s just that little bit better at indoor,” Neil said.

“He’s more confident, he’s got good skills and can read the play really well.”

Haiden Mellifont in his element on the indoor hockey court. Picture: Supplied.

A birth for the Australian U21 side at the next Indoor Hockey World Cup would be a dream come true for Haiden.

“He’s working towards that,” Neil revealed.

“He’d like to try and make a World Cup team one day, he has his goals set and he’s very keen on that.”

Haiden’s success with the Queensland U21 side came off the back of what has been a whirlwind few months since the conclusion of his year 12 exams, having jetted off Malaysia-bound to represent an underage Australian All Stars the very day of his graduation.

He was also fortunate enough to join a European hockey tour, which his father said opened his eyes to both new playing styles and the opportunity of one day playing hockey abroad.

Haiden will look to build off his indoor hockey success when he travels to Brisbane for the outdoor Queensland U21 trials next week.