Hockey SA Premier League players to watch in 2024 revealed
The 2024 Hockey SA Premier League season begins this weekend and we’ve picked the players to watch this year ahead of round one. See who made the cut from both the men’s and women’s competitions.
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The 2024 Hockey SA Premier League men’s and women’s season will begin this weekend with a number of up and coming and star players ready to do battle for silverware across the state.
Ahead of round one, we’ve named our top players to watch across both competitions.
Here is our list in alphabetical order.
JETHRO EUSTICE
(Burnside)
A former South African captain with 171 international caps for his home country, Eustice should be set for a dominant Premier League season with Burnside.
Eustice is a skilled defender and midfielder who can control games single-handedly and lead his sides by example.
Is also a former Olympian and Commonwealth Games athlete and is currently listed with the Adelaide Fire.
AMY HAMMOND
(Grange)
Hammond made her Adelaide Fire debut last year as the second choice goalkeeper and could be set for a big Premier League season with Grange.
A terrific shot stopper with great reflexes and reliable distribution, a standout year with Grange by Hammond would go a long way to cementing the first choice keeper spot with the Fire.
BRYCE HAMMOND
(Forestville)
A talented player who can perform as a midfielder and striker, Hammond has cemented himself as one of the Premier League’s top young stars heading into 2024.
At just 17, Hammond ha the ability to take over a game from the midfield or as a striker and should be a fantastic chance creator and finisher for Forestville this season.
NICOLA HIGGINS
(Port Adelaide)
Higgins will be looking to fill the shoes of retired Port Adelaide leader Sarah Harrison this season and is set for a big campaign in the middle for her club.
A calm and composed player who leads by example, Higgins has the ability to open games up for her teammates with her in-game smarts and reliable decision making.
JACK HOLLAND
(Adelaide)
Arguably the most exciting player in the Premier League competition when in form, Holland will be a key player for Adelaide yet again in 2024.
The star striker can score in a number of ways or assist teammates with ease.
Is a current Adelaide Fire player and men’s national development squad member.
LILI STEVENS
(Adelaide Uni)
Stevens led Adelaide Uni to the finals last women’s Premier League season after joining from Port Adelaide and will be an important player for her club again this year.
A versatile defender and midfielder who can quell attacks and create for her team, Stevens should damage a number of opposition sides in 2024.
LUCAS TOONEN
(North East)
Third in the Premier League best and fairest count last season, 18-year-old Toonen will look to make his mark for North East in season 2024.
A supremely skilled midfielder who can help his defensive line and support attackers seamlessly, Toonen is a current Adelaide Fire player and also part of the 2024 men’s national junior squad (21 and under).
LEAH WELSTEAD
(Seacliff)
The best player in the women’s competition will return to play in 2024 after having a baby in 2023 and spending 12 months out of action.
A superstar midfielder who can do a bit of everything, Welstead broke the Premier League best and fairest votes record in 2022 with a remarkable total of 51.
Welstead’s return should make Seacliff a power again this year.
CAMERON WHITE
(Grange)
A star striker for Grange, White is fresh off of breaking the Premier League goal scoring record last season with 36 goals and will be a player on every opponent’s radar in 2024.
White is a skilled player in possession who always finds space and can finish opportunities with ease.
ELIZA WHITE
(Seacliff)
An intriguing prospect in the Premier League this season, White recently made the move to SA from Queensland after joining SASI in an effort to take her hockey to the next level.
A talented defender who provides security and strong decision-making at the back.
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