Livestream hockey: Victorian Premier League round 1, schedule, fixtures
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The best Victorian hockey players were in action on the weekend as the GAME Clothing men’s and women’s Premier League got underway.
Two games a week will be livestreamed on heraldsun.com.au website this season, available only to subscribers.
Featuring six members of current Australian squads, the Premier League is the highest level of competition in Victoria.
Boasting 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams competing in a 19-round home and away season, the top-eight will fight it out over four weeks for the ultimate prize.
ROUND 1 COMPLETE: WATCH THE REPLAYS BELOW
REPLAY: Southern United 7, MCC Hockey Section 0
Southern United’s women’s team have sent a strong message to the rest of the competition with a 7-0 thumping of MCC in the opening round.
Ashleigh Jones, Emilia Downes and Olivia Downes all scored doubles as United cruised to an easy win.
The home side found themselves on the front foot early in the contest after Molly O’Neill opened the scoring after just five minutes.
A strong second term which saw three goals scored, helped United put themselves in a commanding position.
Despite a lacklustre third term, United hit the accelerator again to finish with three more goals in the last 15 minutes.
United coach Matt L’Huillier said it was fantastic to see his team hit the ground running.
“Sunday’s game had been a long time coming,” he said.
“Everyone had been hanging to get out on the pitch and you could see that in our attitude. I was really impressed with our work rate throughout the game.
“To have three girls score doubles is fantastic because that’s something that hasn’t happened in previous years, we would usually be relying on just a few.
“I couldn’t be happier with our start to the season.”
REPLAY: Southern United 3, MCC Hockey Section 0 (men)
It has been a perfect day for Southern United after its men’s team secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over MCC Hockey Section.
Ben Hughes gave the home side the lead 11 minutes into the contest after striking from a penalty corner.
Josh Mulder found the back of the net in the second term with a field goal before Craig Marais added one of his own just minutes before three-quarter-time.
Men’s players to watch
Mack Dolenc (Altona): He is highly rated within the four walls of the club and with good reason having stormed home to the best and fairest in 2019. A reliable defender who his teammates can always count on.
Liam Braithwaite (Footscray): The explosive vice-captain has the ability to torment any of the defences across the competition. He scored an equal team-high 17 goals in 2019, 12 of which came from the field.
Tom Scott (KBH Brumbies): The experienced shot stopper will play a pivotal role in helping the Brumbies improve upon their two wins in 2019. A calming presence at the back for his team’s younger players.
Tom Sinclair (Melbourne University): His importance to the team can’t be underestimated as Sinclair was the only player to score in double figures in 2019. The club raves about his leadership and his ability to find himself out of tight spaces.
Owen Pitt (Yarra Valley): The new kids on the block have an experienced head to run their attacks in Pitt who brings a sense of calmness which cannot be taught.
Riley Damnics (Brunswick): A skilful central midfielder who controls attacking build up and tempo in the press. He also has an eye for goal after scoring four in 2019.
Russell Ford (Doncaster): Brings a wealth of experience from playing at the highest level in many different competitions and for many different teams. His leadership and hockey knowledge are second to none.
Jake Sherren (Powerhouse St Kilda): Brings a strong sense of calmness and poise in the middle of the field during the game’s hottest moments. Also has an eye for goal with seven in 2019.
Women’s players to watch
Danielle Schubach (Altona): A former Hockeyroo who adds plenty of experience in the middle of the park. Along with captain Bronte Kerley, Schubach’s leadership qualities will help Altona improve on their 11th place finish from 2019.
Carly James (Footscray): A member of the Australian Development squad, the young gun is one player to keep an eye on this season. If Footscray are to improve on their runner-up finish of 2019, the form of James could be pivotal.
Jess Williams (KBH Brumbies): While she may be a lot younger than some of her teammates, Williams brings experience beyond her years to the captain position. With a year off, she will be even hungrier for success.
Gwen Lynch (Melbourne University): Making a comeback from an ACL injury, she possesses a calmness on the ball who can split a defence apart with her skill and vision. Despite being only 21 Lynch is a mature player who will be a key player and is seen as a future leader of the club.
Nicola Brown (Yarra Valley): A player who can run all day, Brown will bring plenty of energy to her side. But the club says one of her best qualities is the positive attitude she always brings to the field.
Liv Downes (Southern United): One word which comes to mind when describing Downes would be intelligence. She has come a long way since her last competitive game and has the ability to dictate the tempo of her game with her class and skills.
Christine Butcher (Brunswick): The club’s strongest source of goals in 2019, Butcher will play a key role in Brunswick’s adventure into the Premier League. She scored nine in League One two years ago.
Kate Faragher (Powerhouse St Kilda): Her teammates know they can consistently rely on her to get the job done as she possesses a strong tackle.
Plus:
Hockeyroos squad members: Laura Barden (Camberwell), Sophie Taylor (Camberwell), Amy Lawton (SUHC)
Kookaburras squad members: Nathan Ephraums (SUHC), Josh Simmonds (Doncaster), Johan Durst GK (Hawthorn)
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