Hockeyroo co-captain Brooke Peris retires from international duties

One of the Northern Territory’s greatest ever sporting exports has called time on their more than a decade-long career. LATEST.

Hockeyroos star Brooke Peris (left).

Territory sporting icon and legend Brooke Peris has announced her retirement from international duties.

The Darwin-born midfielder/striker has amassed more the 200 caps for the nation since her 2013 debut, establishing herself as an integral member of the Hockeyroos.

A proud Ngarrawanji woman and cousin of Olympic gold medallist Nova Peris, she pulled on the green and gold at the Rio, Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games as well as the Glasgow and Gold Coast Commonwealth Games – where she won gold and silver medals respectively.

With hockey in her blood, Peris first started playing the sport as a four-year old, proudly wearing the black an yellow of the Nightcliff Tigers through her junior years.

Brooke Peris has announced her retirement from international duties. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images.

“My heart is going in a different direction, and I’ve got to follow my heart and start a new chapter,” Brooke said to Hockey Australia.

“I’ve loved the last two years of my life in the program especially. I think I just want to cherish all the good memories that I have. I’m content with my decision because I’ve achieved what I wanted to achieve; it’s time and a great opportunity now for the next generation to come through.”

Peris has shown immense resilience through the years, and knew once she surpassed the 200th mark she was truly content with her career.

“Reaching my 200th game was something I’m pretty proud of,” she said.

“I didn’t think I would have achieved that because there are moments where you’re in professional sport and you’re just like, ‘Oh man this is tough’.

“But I just stayed in it and kept being resilient and true to myself.”

However it’s not the legacy she's left on the turf that she's most  proud of, but the work off it. 

“One of the things I’m most proud of is when we launched our Indigenous uniform,” Brooke said.

“It is so important in our sport to show that we are one nation and that we have a history, a rich history, of Indigenous culture.

“It’s really embedded within our sport, and in our schools now.

“With our uniform and the programs and engagements we have within regional and remote communities it really helps more girls like me, who never thought my dream could happen, know that it really can.

“There are so many girls I know, in Darwin especially, who, if and when they do make it in to the national program will feel so comfortable given their culture is seen.

“Sport isn’t just about a game, it has the ability to show you who you are on the inside and the ability to be proud of that on the world stage too. Hockey has done so much for me in giving me the platform to do just that.

“It’s something that I never wanted to take for granted and something that I will forever be grateful for.

“I just can’t wait to see who gets to wear my number and to see how deadly this sister girl’s going to be.”

PERIS’ ACHIEVEMENTS

Awards/Honours:

FIH Pro League Runners Up – 2019

Commonwealth Games Silver Medal – 2018

Champions Trophy Gold Medal – 2016

Champions Trophy Silver Medal – 2014

Northern Territory Sportsperson of the Year – 2014

Oceania Cup Champions – 2013, 2015, 2017

Tournament History:

Olympic Games – 2016, 2020 (2021), 2024 

FIH Pro League – 2019, 2020-21, 2022-23

Commonwealth Games – 2014, 2018

World Cup – 2018

Champions Trophy – 2014, 2016

World League – 2013, 2015

Oceania Cup – 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019

Brooke Peris in the first Festival of Hockey match between the Territory Stingers and Brisbane Blaze. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Since her debut, Peris has been a pillar of professionalism and selflessness.

In particular, she has prided herself on helping mould the new crop of Australian juniors in her latter years, doing whatever, whenever.  

Nevertheless, at 31-years-old, Peris’ retirement has come as a shock to many, but at the same time, those who know her knew the end of her tenure was nigh.

“Brooke has been an incredible ambassador for our sport, the Territory, and Australia,” Hockey NT chief executive Jason Butcher said.

“Her journey has inspired countless young players, especially here in the Northern Territory, where her story resonates deeply.

Brooke’s dedication, resilience, and talent have left a lasting legacy, not only as a Hockeyroo but as a role model for Indigenous athletes and all who aspire to make their mark.

We at Hockey NT are immensely proud of her achievements and grateful for her contributions to our community and hockey in Australia.”

Now without the commitment of the national side, could we see Peris chuck on the blue Territory Stingers singlet in Malaysia?

Originally published as Hockeyroo co-captain Brooke Peris retires from international duties