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Queensland’s top junior hockey players revealed

It’s been a huge year of hockey for Queensland’s youngest brigade. Discover the top junior players from every corner of the Sunshine State

Discover some of Queensland’s top junior hockey players.
Discover some of Queensland’s top junior hockey players.

It’s been a huge year of hockey for Queensland’s youngest brigade.

From national and state representatives to top talent at our grassroots clubs, the next batch of potential Olympians are playing on fields in every area.

Discover the top junior players from every corner of the Sunshine State below.

Rockhampton | Sunshine Coast | Townsville | South East Queensland | Toowoomba | Cairns | Mackay | Gold Coast

Rockhampton

Sienna Harmsworth

Age: 12

Position: Midfield/striker

Harmsworth’s great form of last year continued in 2023. She was selected in the Queensland under-12 schoolgirls and Queensland under-13 teams, both of which won their respective national championships. A skilful player who loves to take the game on. She has a great hockey brain and plays with a level of maturity beyond her years. And her sporting ability is not limited to the hockey field; she is also a talented touch football and netball player.

Sienna Harmsworth.
Sienna Harmsworth.

Eli Landsberg

Age: 14

Position: Striker

Landsberg has earned state honours since he was 11. After a standout performance at the under-13 nationals, he was one of 12 players invited to trial for the Queensland under-15s, earning selection in the state’s Gold team. He is now set to trial for the Queensland under-16s in February next year. He also earned state honours in indoor, representing the Queensland under-13s. He has a great training ethic which shows in his clinical execution of skills and has a big future ahead of him.

Eli Landsberg.
Eli Landsberg.

Grace Lloyd-Jones

Age: 14

Position: Goalkeeper

Lloyd-Jones has represented Queensland underage teams in both indoor and outdoor hockey since age 12. This year she was named as a shadow for Queensland under-15s but went on to play for the Northern Territory at the nationals. Was Goalkeeper of the Carnival at the under-12 state schoolgirls championships and at the under-15 state titles in Mackay. Will trial for the Queensland under-16s in February next year. An agile keeper with an amazing ability to predict opposition moves, her talking and direction is a valuable asset to her teams.

Goalkeeper Grace Lloyd-Jones.
Goalkeeper Grace Lloyd-Jones.

Amy Woods

Age: 15

Position: Defender/midfield

This talented teen is no stranger to higher honours, first playing for Queensland at age 11 and earning selection in the state under-13 indoor and outdoor teams the next two years. She was back in the maroon again this year, captaining Queensland Gold at the under-15 national championships. Woods was part of a Hockey Queensland under-18 development team which played in Melbourne in November and she is now gearing up for the Queensland under-16 trials in February. A passionate, driven player who possesses great hockey smarts. Her precision passing, ability to read play and organise her defence are among her greatest strengths.

Amy Woods.
Amy Woods.

Sophie Hammond

Age: 17

Position: Striker/midfield

A talented, hard-working player with an ability to create scoring opportunities in any situation, Hammond has just been named in the Queensland under-18 indoor team to contest the nationals in Canberra in January. She is a member of the Hockey Queensland Academy and was part of its under-18 development team which travelled to Melbourne in November for a series of games. Another exciting prospect whose star is on the rise.

Sophie Hammond (right).
Sophie Hammond (right).

Sunshine Coast

Chloe Daly

Age: 18

Position: Goalkeeper

Sunshine Coast hockey star Chloe Daly. Picture: Contributed.
Sunshine Coast hockey star Chloe Daly. Picture: Contributed.

With a mother, father and brother involved in hockey, it’s no surprise Chloe Daly has continued her rise as a top junior hockey talent.

The Sunshine Coast Grammar student first leaped onto the scene in 2019 when she was selected for the under 15 Queensland side as a 13-year-old.

The rock solid goalkeeper has also been selected in the Queensland under 18 team that will compete in the Australian Indoor Championships in January.

Madyson Windell

Club: Nambour Blue Demons

Position: Midfield

Age: 16

Sunshine Coast hockey star Madyson Windell. Picture: Contributed.
Sunshine Coast hockey star Madyson Windell. Picture: Contributed.

Mady is a high energy midfielder, constantly putting the opposition under pressure and dispossessing them of the ball. Mady has recently been named in the Queensland U18 Gold team to play Nationals in Hobart in July. shadow for the 2023 u13-19 qld schoolgirls side.

Maddison Tolson

Club: Maroochydore Swans

Position: Midfield

Age: 15

Sunshine Coast hockey talent Maddison Tolson. Picture: Contributed.
Sunshine Coast hockey talent Maddison Tolson. Picture: Contributed.

Maddison has a natural flare for Hockey which enables her to read the game well and eliminate the opposition. She was a member of the Queensland U15 Maroon team which recently went through undefeated at the recent National Championships in Darwin.

Riley Davenport 

Age: 18

Club: Maroochydore

Davenport was the only player from the Sunshine Coast that was selected in this year’s under 16 Queensland schoolboys side.

The St John’s student flew to Adelaide and was a part of the winning team.

He also scored two goals in the under 18 Sunshine Coast final this season, guiding his Maroochydore side to a 2-0 victory against Caloundra.

Daisy Samuels

Age: 18

Club: Buderim Rebels

Daisy Samuels shoots for Sunshine Coast against Commercial, Div 1 girls, Under 15 Invitational Tournament at Clyde Park by Toowoomba Hockey Association, Saturday, October 10, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer
Daisy Samuels shoots for Sunshine Coast against Commercial, Div 1 girls, Under 15 Invitational Tournament at Clyde Park by Toowoomba Hockey Association, Saturday, October 10, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The Sunshine Coast star has risen to the occasion in recent seasons, being labelled as a standout player for her J1, Division one and division two teams.

She will compete and represent Queensland at the under 18 Australian Indoor Championships in January.

Jorja Chilton

Club: Nambour Blue Demons

Position: Goalkeeper

Age: 15

Sunshine Coast hockey star Jorja Chilton in action.
Sunshine Coast hockey star Jorja Chilton in action.

Jorja’s skills and presence in the box continue to go from strength to strength. She was a member of the Queensland U15 Gold team which finished 4th at the recent National Championships in Darwin.

Sarah Chilton

Club: Nambour Blue Demons

Position: Midfield

Age: 13

Sunshine Coast hockey star Sarah Chilton in action.
Sunshine Coast hockey star Sarah Chilton in action.

Sarah is a natural athlete, exciting to watch as she creates space around the field with her speed and skill. She was a member of the Queensland U13 Maroon team which finished 1st at the recent National Championships in Hobart.

Max Montgomery

Age: 17

Club: Buderim Rebels

The Mountain Creek State High School student is no stranger to representative honours, earning Queensland selected for numerous club and school teams.

Hockey legend Jodie Kenny classed Montgomery as a “strong player on the ball and a great goalscorer”.

Belle Jackson

Club: Maroochydore Swans

Position: Striker

Age: 14

Sunshine Coast hockey player Belle Jackson in action. Picture: Contributed.
Sunshine Coast hockey player Belle Jackson in action. Picture: Contributed.

Belle has a great turn of speed which can often combine with a Tomahawk shot in the attacking circle. She was a member of the Queensland U15 Gold team which finished 4th at the recent National Championships in Darwin.

Cameron Allinson

Club: Maroochydore Hockey Club/Redcliffe Hockey Club

Position: Back line – fullback or half

Age: 13

Sunshine Coast hockey talent Cameron Allinson at the U13s 2022 Hobart Australian Nationals. Picture: Click in Focus.
Sunshine Coast hockey talent Cameron Allinson at the U13s 2022 Hobart Australian Nationals. Picture: Click in Focus.

Cameron started playing hockey at the age of five, proudly following his big brothers onto the field. Since that time he has represented Queensland in both 2021 School Boys Hockey (10-12yrs) and 2022 U13s Queensland Boys (Cutters) through Hockey Qld. He has been a regular Sunshine Coast representative captain in under 11s, under-13s and under-15s. He has also been one of the youngest players (at age 12 & 13 respectively) to compete in the last two under-19s school sport state championships for hockey. This year he was a shadow player for Sunshine Coast U18s mens rep and is looking forward to competing in the U15s State Championship in September. He is known for being a generous player who supports and encourages all players around him.

Tom Campbell

Position: Midfield

Age: 17

A force to be reckoned with at the club and representative level, Campbell easily controls games and is capable of producing match winning moments out of nothing.

Some of his major honours include QLD U18 and U21 (2022, 2023), 2022 and 2023 State Championships U18 Boys Player of the Tournament (Div 1), U18 Boys State Champions 2023, Brisbane Blaze 2022 Extended Squad.

Honourable mentions to some other rising Sunshine Coast stars Demi Mills (Palmwoods), Olivia Windell (Woombye) and Claire Walsh (Mountain Creek)

TOWNSVILLE

Bree Pendrigh 

An attacking midfield with great knowledge of the game. Pendrigh is part of a hockey-loving family in North Queensland that are regulars in representative teams.

Pendrigh moved to Townsville from cairns in early 2023 and has been a great addition to the city’s teams and leagues.

Pendrigh has been a national champion with the Queensland under-16 girls in 2022 and the Queensland under-18 girls’ indoor team in 2023 – which she has been selected to play for again in 2024.

Brothers player Bree Pendrigh is one of Townsville's top junior hockey prospects. Picture: Supplied
Brothers player Bree Pendrigh is one of Townsville's top junior hockey prospects. Picture: Supplied

Sophie Davis

Davis is a defensive midfield with an array of talents on the field. She is a deceptive player who is fantastic at inside elimination, Davis simply loves to compete and is a great addition to every team she plays on.

She is a member of another great hockey family of Townsville, with an older and younger sister who are both future stars in their own rights.

Wests player Sophie Davis is one of Townsville's top junior hockey prospects. Picture: Annettes Action Shots
Wests player Sophie Davis is one of Townsville's top junior hockey prospects. Picture: Annettes Action Shots

Chloe Bourke

Townsville’s sole representative in the Queensland Maroon under-15s for the Australian championships. Bourke is a great hockey talent that has a bright future in the sport with enough dedication.

Townsville under-15 hockey players (left to right) Finn O’Neill, Chloe Bourke, Luke Bartolo and Kyle Bullen all won gold at the 2023 Australian U15 Hockey Championships in Darwin. Picture: Patrick Woods.
Townsville under-15 hockey players (left to right) Finn O’Neill, Chloe Bourke, Luke Bartolo and Kyle Bullen all won gold at the 2023 Australian U15 Hockey Championships in Darwin. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Lyla Pendrigh

Pendrigh was selected as a shadow for Queensland in the under-15s at the Australian Indoor Championships in 2024.

She has a great eye for the game and scored the deciding goal in the senior women’s grand final of the Townsville indoor hockey league.

Levi Bartlett

Bartlett is a powerful player with a shot that could just about rip a hole in the net.

The Townsville young gun will pull on a Queensland Gold jersey at the national indoor championships in January after scoring a spectacular brace in the men’s grand final of Townsville’s senior indoor hockey league.

Townsville leadership group Jason Kennedy, Levi Bartlett, Kye Johnston ahead of the Queensland Secondary Schools Championships. Picture: Supplied
Townsville leadership group Jason Kennedy, Levi Bartlett, Kye Johnston ahead of the Queensland Secondary Schools Championships. Picture: Supplied

Brock Philip

The intimidating net-minder was part of Australia’s second under-18s team in 2022 and backed it up this year with selection to the Queensland Gold team.

The Townsville Brothers junior was recently selected for Queensland’s Gold indoor hockey team for the upcoming Australian Indoor Championships.

Brothers player Brock Philip is one of Townsville's top junior hockey prospects. Picture: Supplied
Brothers player Brock Philip is one of Townsville's top junior hockey prospects. Picture: Supplied

Angus Shephard 

Shephard is another of Townsville Brothers’ bright prospects making the transition into senior hockey.

He was unfortunate to miss out on selection with the Queensland indoor team after starring for Townsville at the state titles, named as a shadow.

Townsville Hockey juniors Brooke Davis and Angus Shephard have been selected in the 2020 Queensland under-15 indoor hockey squads. Picture: MATTHEW ELKERTON
Townsville Hockey juniors Brooke Davis and Angus Shephard have been selected in the 2020 Queensland under-15 indoor hockey squads. Picture: MATTHEW ELKERTON

Kayla Bartlett, Destinee Philip and Ruby Doll

Townsville’s under-13s trio that were all recently selected to represent Queensland. The future is bright for these young talents.

SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND

Aston Merrell

Age: 16

Club: Labrador

Position: Defender

Comment: Aston is a formidable defender with an eye for reading play combined with a game changing drag flick. After representing Queensland in both the U16 School Boys Championships and U18’s State Champs he is off to Malaysia this week to represent Australia in the U17 Mirnawan Cup.

Jenson Merrell

Age: 13

Club: Labrador

Position: Goal Keeper

Comment: Jenson is a fearless keeper having represented Qld four times in the last two years. 2023 saw him make his Div 1 Local debut facing some of the Gold Coasts toughest players and holding his own with confidence.

Georgia Harris

Talk about a schoolgirl prodigy. The Arana Ascot junior has come through the representative system and now finds herself in the National Futures squad (under 18s) alongside fellow Queenslanders Meka Crick (Fraser Coast) and Lily Richardson (Brisbane)

Cody Hale (Easts)

Hale is punching above his weight, with the 15-year-old representing the Queensland under 18s at the nationals this year. He has always been a high achiever, who two years ago was Queensland player of the tournament at the under 13 nationals.

Meka Crick

A Granville Hockey Club junior from Maryborough State High School, Crick is a former Australian schoolgirls representative who this year was a shadow player for the Queensland under 21s. She is in the National Futures Squad for under 18s.

Lily Richardson

The Easts junior and Moreton Bay College student is another Queenslanders identified in the , she stamped herself as a serious player of the future when named Hockey Player of the under 18 National Futures Squad.

Mihaylia Howell (Brisbane)

Hockey player Mihaylia Howell as a junior.
Hockey player Mihaylia Howell as a junior.

Narangba product Mihaylia Howell continues to kick goals above her pay grade, with the 17-year-old being named in the Australian Jillaroos under 21 squad.

Qld's top hockey stars: Ivy Matthews
Qld's top hockey stars: Ivy Matthews

Ivy Matthews

Age: 18

Club: Hockey Burleigh

Position: Goalkeeper

Comment: Ivy is a talented goalkeeper who at the age of 16, became the Division 1 Women’s goalkeeper for the club. She can make a mark on the game from the get go and always leads from the back. With these skills, Ivy has also been named in the QLD U21’s team that came 2nd in 2023, and won the U18’s National Competition in 2022. Since then Ivy was also elevated to the QLD Blaze Squad at the age of 18 is a huge and proud achievement. Ivy is an outstanding talent with huge success in the future.

Qld's top hockey stars: Camryn Mathison
Qld's top hockey stars: Camryn Mathison

Camryn Mathison 

Age: 17

Club: Hockey Burleigh

Position: Midfielder

Comment: Camryn has had one of the best years of her young hockey career. At the age of 17, she was selected in the U21’s QLD side that finished 2nd in 2023, won the U18’s National Tournament where she was named Player of the Tournament, she was then named in the U21’s Jillaroos side, and has also made her debut in the QLD Blaze side in the HockeyOne competition. With extraordinary skills and talent, Camryn is a superstar on the rise and a name to watch out for.

Qld's top hockey stars: Will Powell
Qld's top hockey stars: Will Powell

Will Powell

Age: 17

Club: Hockey Burleigh

Position: Midfielder

Comment: Will has been an up and coming talent and a name to watch out for in the past couple of years. Following great success at club level, Will has been selected in the U21’s QLD team in 2023 that finished 3rd at the National Championships, also captained the QLD u18’s Boys team in 2023 and was added to the QLD Blaze Squad too. Only being so young, he is so talented and boasts the team in an instance.

Tammin Andrews 

Age: 17

Club: Hockey Burleigh

Position: Striker

Comment: Tammin has some amazing talent for someone who has been playing for many years. She has climbed the Hockey QLD ranks over the past couple of years making team after team. Tammin this year was named in the u18’s Future Australian Squad being identified as a talent to watch. From that Tammin was selected to play in the Australian U17’s All Stars Team who are currently on tour in Malaysia.

Qld's top hockey stars: Tammin and Tylah Andrews
Qld's top hockey stars: Tammin and Tylah Andrews

Tylah Andrews

Age: 16

Club: Hockey Burleigh

Position: Defender

Comment: Tylah has had a breakout year this year. Making her Division One ladies debut this year for the club, this is only the start for her. Having captained the U16’s QLD School Sport side to a National Championship, Tyalh was also selected in the Australian u16’s School Sport Team. She has joined her sister in the Australian U17’s All Stars Team who are currently on tour in Malaysia. While also taking out 1st Place at U18’s Nationals this year, Tylah has been dominant in any team she continues to make.

Chloe Daly

Sunshine Coast hockey star Chloe Daly.
Sunshine Coast hockey star Chloe Daly.

A Sunshine Coast product now in the bossom of the proud Kedron Wavell club, daly is a goalkeeping ace who earlier this year was in the extended Australian Women’s Futures under 18 squad.

Karissa Van Der Wath

A current Brisbane State High School student, Van Der Wath is an elite rookie who last month represented Australia at the under 21 Junior World Cup with the Jillaroos.

Tayla Bartholomeusz (Brisbane)

Bartholomeusz is another rising star play out of her age group. A Brisbane State High School student from the St Andrews Ladies Hockey Club, Bartholomeusz has been making representative teams since she was a child. Aged only 16, this year she was in the Queensland under 18 No.2 side.

Qld's top hockey stars: Aurora Kovacevich
Qld's top hockey stars: Aurora Kovacevich

Aurora Kovacevich (Rory)

Age: 15

Club: Labrador Hockey Club

Position: Striker

Comment: Aurora is a fast and agile striker with penchant for scoring goals. 2023 has been a great year for her with selections in Queensland teams for both u16 Schoolgirls and u16 Hockey Queensland squad for 2024.She won a gold medal with the Hockey Queensland u15 team at the National Championships in Darwin in April this year. Her year was topped off with being named player of the tournament for the u16 National Schoolgirls and earning a selection in the u16 All Australian Team. She plays locally for Labrador Hockey club in Division 1 and u18 girls where she topped the competition for juniors with a haul of 66 goals.

Lara Pyle

Lara Pyle as a junior.
Lara Pyle as a junior.

A school mate of Tayla Bartholomeusz at Brisbane State High School, the Arana Ascot junior has been a regular face in Queensland under age teams this decade.

Lily Punch (Brisbane)

Young Matildas from Brisbane State High. L to R: Lily Punch 14yrs*, Arianna Skeers 17yrs, Eve Lee 17yrs, Grace Kuilamu 16yrs*
Young Matildas from Brisbane State High. L to R: Lily Punch 14yrs*, Arianna Skeers 17yrs, Eve Lee 17yrs, Grace Kuilamu 16yrs*

From a high achieving sporting family, Punch was Player of the Tournament at under 15 national championships. She plays locally with the Kedron Wavell club.

Joel Hubbard and co.

From a famous hockey sporting family, Joel Hubbard (Easts) joined Nicholas Keir (Norths), Cooper Punch (Kedron Wavell) and Rhys Stenzel (Ipswich) in helping Queensland into the under 18 national grand final earlier this year.

Elke Cooper (Brisbane)

Elke Cooper (left) of Commercial in 2020.
Elke Cooper (left) of Commercial in 2020.

Cooper, 15, was a teammate of Punch’s at the nationals, helping Queensland win the under 15 championships.

Kara Bradley and co.

Kara Bradley as a junior in 2019, smiling after state selection.
Kara Bradley as a junior in 2019, smiling after state selection.

Bradley (Ascot Arana), Jade Bartholomeusz (St Andrews), BSHS graduate Montana Carr (Commercial) were all member of the Queensland under 18 side which finished first at this year’s nationals.

Dominic Anderson and co.

Dominic Anderson (centre) of Renegades in 2020.
Dominic Anderson (centre) of Renegades in 2020.

Queensland’s future is in good hands with these hockey prodigees at the helm. Anderson (Redcliffe Leagues), Oliver Bryans (Easts), George Evans (Valley) and Max Mackley (Commercial) were all leading members of the Queensland under 18 No.2 side

Add the likes of Tom Campbell (Centenary Heights State High School), Oliver Harding (Toowoomba Grammar School), Australian Futures under 18 member William Powell, Warwick’s William Ready, Daykin Stanger (Ballina Hockey), Quintyn Laskey-Vella and Matthew Hawthorne into the argument, among others, and the state’s hockey ranks were swelling with sporting prodigys making good.

Nina Murphy

Nina Murphy (left) shoots for Tweed.
Nina Murphy (left) shoots for Tweed.

She comes from just over the NSW-Qld border, but Casuarina Hockey Club’s Murphy deserves a mention as a sporting prodigy.

Jamie-Lee Surha and Demi Walker

HOCKEY ROCKHAMPTON INVITATIONAL U15 GIRLS: Rockhampton's Samantha Barsby and Mackay's Jamie-Lee Surha
HOCKEY ROCKHAMPTON INVITATIONAL U15 GIRLS: Rockhampton's Samantha Barsby and Mackay's Jamie-Lee Surha

A couple of country kids, both have been junior sporting high achievers in hockey.

Toowoomba

Matt Hawthorne

Position: Midfield

Age: 17

Matt Hawthorne. Picture: Annette's Action Shots.
Matt Hawthorne. Picture: Annette's Action Shots.

Hawthorne is a tantalising prospect who is rising through the ranks in Toowoomba.

He is naturally gifted and is a menace with his electric speed and agility.

Luke Siebuhr

Position: Midfield

Age: 16

Luke Siebuhr in action for Newtown. Picture: Nev Madsen.
Luke Siebuhr in action for Newtown. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Despite his youth, Siebuhr is remarkable composed on the ball and remains poised under pressure, rarely making any mistakes.

He dictates the tempo and is the heartbeat of every team he plays for.

Hayden Macready

Position: Midfield

Age: 15

Hayden Macready in action. Picture: Annette's Action Shots.
Hayden Macready in action. Picture: Annette's Action Shots.

Macready is a serial winner, claiming multiple gold medals and individual accolades in 2023.

He is comfortable on the ball and executes passes with incredible ease and efficiency.

Ella Hagenbach

Position: Midfield

Age: 16

Ella Hagenbach.
Ella Hagenbach.

Hagenbach is a dynamic and energetic superstar who is a game-changer.

Her influence is often felt by her teammates and she has an incredible work-rate.

Stella Suey

Position: Midfield

Age: 15

Stella Suey.
Stella Suey.

While she may only be 15 years old, Suey is remarkable composed and reliable.

She is a consistent performer at a high level and her ball-carrying and shooting abilities are unmatched.

Bobbie Hamlet

Position: Goalkeeper

Age: 17

Bobbie Hamlet attempts a save.
Bobbie Hamlet attempts a save.

Hamlet has proven she is worth her weight in gold as she has singlehandedly won several games and routinely makes world-class saves.

Hamlet rarely has a bad game and has operated consistently at an elite level for several years.

Cairns

Cairns Brothers goalkeeper Rhiannon Forbes has been selected to represent Australia in the Australian Allstars Under 17s hockey team, travelling to Malaysia to compete against England, Japan, Malaysia and South Africa from November 18 to 26. Picture: Brendan Radke
Cairns Brothers goalkeeper Rhiannon Forbes has been selected to represent Australia in the Australian Allstars Under 17s hockey team, travelling to Malaysia to compete against England, Japan, Malaysia and South Africa from November 18 to 26. Picture: Brendan Radke

Rhiannon Forbes

Age group: Under 17

Position: Goalie

Club: Brothers Hockey Club Cairns

Potentially the brightest hockey prospect coming out of the Far North. Forbes’ journey as goalie started when she was 10, but has progressed to become the number one female goalie for the Cairns Hockey Association. She recently represented the Australian Allstars Under 17s hockey team, winning Gold at the Mirnawan Cup in Malaysia, defeating Japan 2-0 in a spectacular final game.

Cairns Brothers goalkeeper Rhiannon Forbes has been selected to represent Australia in the Australian Allstars Under 17s hockey team, travelling to Malaysia to compete against England, Japan, Malaysia and South Africa from November 18 to 26. Picture: Brendan Radke
Cairns Brothers goalkeeper Rhiannon Forbes has been selected to represent Australia in the Australian Allstars Under 17s hockey team, travelling to Malaysia to compete against England, Japan, Malaysia and South Africa from November 18 to 26. Picture: Brendan Radke

Chase Donnelly

Age group: Under 13

Position: Midfield

Club: Souths Hockey Club Cairns

Chase is a gun midfielder with an array of skills. He was crowned player of the tournament at the U13 state championships while representing Queensland.

Lana Bruce

Age group: Under 13

Club: Saints Hockey Club Cairns

She never backs down in a contest and leads by example. Recently selected in the Queensland U13 indoor womens team (flare)

Evie Vogler

Age group: Under 13

Club: Brothers Hockey Club Cairns

A strong competitor who embraces the challenge of difficult opposition. Continues to improve and develop at Brothers Hockey Club. Recently slected in the Queensland U13 indoor womens team (fire)

Talytha (Shorty) MacDonald

Age group: Under 18

Position: Midfield/Defender

Club: Saints Hockey Club Cairns

An incredible athlete with remarkable potential. Talytha (Shorty) shows both her dedication and committment by making the trip from Atherton to compete. Talytha is always willing to learn and find ways to improve.

Recently selected in the Queensland U21s side.

Talytha Macdonald of Queensland Gold in action during the Hockey under 18 Nationals Women's semi final between QLD Gold and TAS at Cairns Hockey Centre. Photo by Emily Barker
Talytha Macdonald of Queensland Gold in action during the Hockey under 18 Nationals Women's semi final between QLD Gold and TAS at Cairns Hockey Centre. Photo by Emily Barker

Adrian Leighton

Age group: Under 15

Club: Saints Hockey Club Cairns

Adrian is a humble, quiet-achiever who’s super-talented with hockey stick. Often shows great sportsmanship on the field and continues to better his already strong abilities.

Under 13 State hockey championships at the Waterhole in Townsville. Fraser Coast against Townsville 1. Cairns Adrian Leighton. Picture: Evan Morgan
Under 13 State hockey championships at the Waterhole in Townsville. Fraser Coast against Townsville 1. Cairns Adrian Leighton. Picture: Evan Morgan

Dannan Findlay

Age group: Under 18

Position: Defender

Solid as a rock in defence, Dannan continues to be selected for almost every representative team and is one of the highest-calibre talents coming out of the Far North.

Brothers' Dannan Findlay controls the play in the Cairns Hockey A Grade women's match between Cairns Brothers and Cairns Saints. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE
Brothers' Dannan Findlay controls the play in the Cairns Hockey A Grade women's match between Cairns Brothers and Cairns Saints. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

Lachlan Fry

Age group: Under 13

Position: Defender

Lachlan was elevated by Hockey Queensland from the 2022 U13 Nationals event to represent QLD’s #1 the Maroon team in the U15 Nationals tournament in 2023. Lachlan’s athletic ability, physical strength and fitness puts him levels above his peers. He possesses a big overhead for his age, working on his drag flicking, and is also a machine in the defence.

Souths Hockey Club gun Lachlan Fry is one of the best juniors coming through the ranks in Cairns. Picture: Supplied
Souths Hockey Club gun Lachlan Fry is one of the best juniors coming through the ranks in Cairns. Picture: Supplied

Ryan Cartwright

Age group: Under 18

Position: Midfielder

Club: Brothers Hockey Club Cairns

Ryan is not only a strong player on the ball, but also in defence. He is great as a team leader among his peers and not scared to do the work during training.

Mackay

Kaleb Mayfield

Mayfield has enjoyed a plethora of success, which culminated in co-captaining the U17 Australian All Stars side in Malaysia. He also made Queensland’s U18 side and 2023 School’s merit team. The North Devils defender was a Qld Schoolboys shadow in 2022, and was part of the 2023 Norths A1 winning team. He’s a member of the QAS Academy and the Australian Futures Watchlist. Was part of Mackay’s U18 indoor hockey state championship winning team, and earnt selection into the Queensland Maroon side.

Sam Riggs

Riggs joined Mayfield on the U17 Australian All Stars’ whirlwind trip to Malaysia. He made Queensland’s second U18 team this season, and was a member of the Norths A1 winning team as a striker. Also won the U18 indoor hockey state titles and earnt selection into the Queensland Maroon side.

Kaleb Mayfield (middle), and Sam Riggs (left) both travelled to Malaysia recently to represent the U17 Australia All Stars. Picture: Supplied.
Kaleb Mayfield (middle), and Sam Riggs (left) both travelled to Malaysia recently to represent the U17 Australia All Stars. Picture: Supplied.

Harry Kirkwood

The Souths A1 defender was a member of the Queensland U19 Schoolboys team this season. Won the indoor state title with Mackay’s U18s to be named as a shadow for the Queensland side.

Laura Camilleri

Camilleri won an A1 premiership with the Norths’ women’s side this season. The striker was also a member of the 2022 Queensland U15 squad and is in the Queensland U16 development squad. Was player of the tournament at the U15 state championships in 2022.

Lachlan Davies

The Norths striker joined Riggs and Mayfield in both the A1 winning team this season, and the U18 indoor hockey state title winning team this season. Also represented the Queensland outdoor U15s back in 2021, and earnt selection into the Queensland Maroon U18 indoor side.

Flynn Steindl

The Brothers A1 midfielder is a member of the Queensland U16 development academy and represented the Queensland U15s in 2022. Won the U18 indoor state championship with Mackay and was selected in the Queensland Gold U18 indoor team.

Flynn Steindl. Picture: Mackay Hockey Player and Coach Development Facebook.
Flynn Steindl. Picture: Mackay Hockey Player and Coach Development Facebook.

Nicholas Searle

A Norths goalkeeper, Searle frequents in the A1 side. He’s a member of the state U16 development academy alongside Steindl and also lined up for the Queensland U15s in 2022.

Ebony Temple

An A1 winning defender with Norths Devils, Temple also won the national championships with the U15 Queensland first side, and is in the state’s U16 development academy.

Mitchell Hope

Hope was recently selected in the Queensland Spurs U13 indoor hockey team (spurs), and represented the Queensland U13 Sabres in outdoor.

Hudson Mayfield

Kaleb’s younger brother Hudson has established himself as a young star of tomorrow. He recently earnt selection in the Queensland U13 Spurs indoor hockey, and was also the vice-captain of Queensland’s outdoor U13 Cutters side. Was also Queensland’s player of the tournament at the U12 national championships earlier this year.

Hudson Mayfield. Picture: Mackay Hockey Player and Coach Development Facebook
Hudson Mayfield. Picture: Mackay Hockey Player and Coach Development Facebook

Izsak Barbeler

Barbeler was selected for the Queensland’s U13 Shots indoor team and the state’s U13 Sabres in outdoor.

Cruz Cant

Cant was selected for the Queensland U13 Shots indoor hockey team.

Matthew Davies

After winning silver with the Queensland U12 boy’s side in Canberra last year, Davies was selected for the Queensland U13 Shots in indoor and the Sabres in outdoor.

Harry Murphy

Murphy also won silver with U12 Queensland boy’s in Canberra in 2022. In 2023 he lined up for the Queensland U13 Cutters and has earnt selection for the U13 Shots.

Isaac Quartly

Quartly joined Murphy and Davies in last year’s U12 Queensland side. This year, he figured for the U13 Cutters and has been selected for the U13 indoor shots.

Nate Wales

Wales has been selected for the Queensland U13 Shots indoor hockey side.

Aaron Peevr

A goalkeeper, Peevr was selected as a shadow for both the Queensland U13 indoor and outdoor sides this year.

Chloe Bourke

Bourke was picked in Queensland U15 Maroons indoor hockey side.

Madeline Searle

Searle was picked in the Queensland U15 Maroons indoor hockey side. She’s a member of the Queensland U16 indoor hockey squad for 2024, and competed at the national championships in Darwin earlier this year.

Skye Vaughan

A member of Queensland’s U16 squad for 2024, Vaughan has also been named in the Queensland U15 Gold girl’s indoor hockey team. At the U13 national championships last year she won gold. Was given the rising star award at U15 state championships in 2022.

Skye Vaughan. Picture: Mackay Hockey Player and Coach Development Facebook
Skye Vaughan. Picture: Mackay Hockey Player and Coach Development Facebook

Lyla Pendrigh

Pendrigh was selected as a shadow for the Queensland U15 girl’s indoor hockey team.

Hayley Davis

Davis was also selected as a shadow for the Queensland U15 girl’s indoor hockey team.

Lainey Walker

Lainey has been selected for the Queensland U16 girl’s squad in 2024. It comes after her showing at the U15 national championships in Darwin earlier this year.

Lainey Walker and Madeline Searle. Picture: Mackay Hockey Player and Coach Development Facebook
Lainey Walker and Madeline Searle. Picture: Mackay Hockey Player and Coach Development Facebook

Taylor Fisher

Fisher was selected in the Queensland U16 girl’s squad for 2024.

Mason Beatty

Beatty was picked for the Queensland boy’s U16s next year.

Ben Eggleton

After appearing in Darwin at the U15 national championships earlier this year, Eggleton is again slated to feature for Queensland, named in the U16 boy’s squad.

Kiran Walpole and Ben Eggleton. Picture: Mackay Hockey Player and Coach Development Facebook
Kiran Walpole and Ben Eggleton. Picture: Mackay Hockey Player and Coach Development Facebook

Lucas Haack

Having won the U13 indoor hockey title with Queensland in January, Haack has been selected for both the U15 indoor boy’s Gold side and outdoor U16 state side next year.

Charlie Murphy

Murphy has been named in the Queensland U15 Maroon indoor side and the 2024 Queensland U16 squad for next season.

Kiran Walpole

Walpole has been selected for Queensland’s U15 indoor Gold side and U1s6 outdoor squad. Qld u16 squad 2024 boy’s. It follows his appearance at the U15 national championships in Darwin.

Isabel Eggleton

Last month, Eggleton was named in the Queensland girl’s U13 indoor side. Was also named as a shadow for Queensland’s U13 girl’s outdoor side earlier this year, before being called up to represent the Northern Territory.

Isabel Eggleton has had a strong year in the indoor and outdoor arena. Picture: Supplied.
Isabel Eggleton has had a strong year in the indoor and outdoor arena. Picture: Supplied.

Amani Paganoni

Earnt selection in the Queensland Gold U18 women’s indoor side after a strong showing at the state championships.

Isabelle Miles

Miles was named as a shadow for the Queensland U18 women’s indoor side following her performances at the state championships.

Connor Gould

The goalkeeper was central to Mackay defending its U18 crown at the indoor state championships. Held his nerve in a tense final to be awarded player of the match, crucially saving two penalties. Earnt selection into the Queensland Maroon U18 indoor side for his efforts.

Connor Gould following his strong showing at the State Championships. Picture: Mackay Hockey Player and Coach Development Facebook.
Connor Gould following his strong showing at the State Championships. Picture: Mackay Hockey Player and Coach Development Facebook.

Aston Paganoni

Paganoni was a member of the U13 national championship-winning Queensland side in January. As such, he’s been named in the U15 indoor boy’s gold for January’s national championships.

Hunter Herrington

Herrington was a member of Queensland’s U13 indoor winning side in January, and was slo player of the tournament at the 2022 indoor national championships.

Aston Pagoni, Lucas Haack, and Hunter Herrington. Picture: Mackay Hockey Player and Coach Development Facebook
Aston Pagoni, Lucas Haack, and Hunter Herrington. Picture: Mackay Hockey Player and Coach Development Facebook

Trey Jelacic

Jelacic was selected for the U15 and U18 Queensland Maroon indoor sides.

Connor Quartly

Quartly was selected for the U15 Queensland indoor Gold side.

Skye Nicholson

Nicholson was named in the Queensland U13 girl’s indoor side.

Jemma Bowes

Bowes was named as a shadow for the U13 state indoor team.

Evie Clarendon

As was Clarendon, also named as a shadow for the U13 state indoor team.

Nash Paganoni

One of three Paganoni’s to feature on the list, Nash was named as a shadow for Queensland’s U13 outdoor side earlier this year.

Tom Burgess

Won the U18 state title with Mackay, earnt selection Queensland Gold’s U18 indoor side.

Jack Kearines

Won the U18 state title with Mackay, earnt selection Queensland Maroon’s U18 indoor side.

Rupert Fahy

Won the U18 state title with Mackay and was named as a shadow for the subsequent Queensland side.

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Original URL: https://www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/sport/queenslands-top-junior-hockey-players-revealed/news-story/8ec12eb10d1df107d61597ae12bda418