Oceania Cup 2023: Hockeyroos, Kookaburras take on New Zealand in battle for Olympic spot
A star striker with freakish matchwinning ability comparable to Richmond great Dustin Martin in the AFL headlines hockey’s next crop of Olympic hopefuls attempting to book a trip to Paris. Meet every current Kookaburra and Hockeyroo.
Hockey
Don't miss out on the headlines from Hockey. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Direct Olympic qualification is on the line as the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras brace for their most-crucial clashes of the year in New Zealand.
The Aussie women and men face the Black Sticks in the best-of-three Oceania Cup, the winning nation securing a place at next year’s Paris games.
It’s a weight the world No.2 Hockeyroos are well-prepared to bear, dual-Olympian Grace Stewart believes.
SCROLL DOWN FOR GAME TIMES AND TO READ MORE ABOUT EVERY PLAYER IN EACH SQUAD
“It’s definitely a pressure situation with three games and Olympic qualification on the end of it,” Stewart said ahead of Thursday’s Cup opener against the ninth-ranked Kiwis in Whangarei.
“We have had the whole group in Perth training together, so I think we’re up to speed and are really looking forward to getting out there and giving it our all.
“The rivalry with the Black Sticks has really built over the last couple of years.
“We know each other pretty well and it’s always a fast and fiery game when we’re out there, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
So too is dashing Kookaburras’ prime mover Aran Zalewski as he gears up to boss the world No.6 midfield against the Kiwis, ranked 13.
“Our sole focus is the Oceania Cup this year,” Zalewski said.
“The matches we play against New Zealand at the major tournaments are always really tight and fierce, so we are expecting nothing less from our rivals across the ditch.
“I’m sure they’ll be expecting plenty of fight from us too.
“Consistency is critical for every team … not getting ahead of ourselves in terms of each outcome, each match and the whole series (is vital).”
Kookaburras coach Colin Batch’s squad was dealt a big blow when first-choice goalkeeper Andrew Charter suffered a serious hamstring injury during preparation for the tournament. Ben Rennie (11 games) has been drafted into the squad to back up Johan Durst (24 games) and, while both custodians possess brilliance, they lack the battle-hardened experience of 200-cap dual-Olympian Charter.
Lachlan Sharp has also sustained an injury that has forced him to stay home and Batch has opted for youth, with 22-year-old Jayden Atkinson replacing the midfield pocket rocket.
Batch, who coached the Black Sticks from 2012-16, insisted his side will enter the tournament with “energy”, knowing the stakes are high. He also has the weight of history on his side — the Kookaburras, since the Oceania Cup’s 1999 inception, have never been beaten in the tournament.
Thursday’s opening match will have added significance for the Kookaburras with veterans Flynn Ogilvie (150) and Josh Beltz (100) chalking up milestones.
The bout pits sibling against sibling with former Kookaburra Leon Hayward in goals, opposing brother Jeremy, who has appeared more than 200 times in the green and gold.
The Black Sticks men are formidable on their day, with set piece weapon in drag-flicker Kane Russell a constant threat, while the Kiwi women are led brilliantly by goal machine Olivia Merry.
Reserve Hockeyroos goalkeeper Aleisha Power has been forced out of coach Katrina Powell’s squad with an ankle injury, replaced on tour by 24-year-old Zoe Newman.
Resilient star Steph Kershaw, who has suffered through two brutal knee reconstructions, is set to mark her 100th appearance for the Hockeyroos — a milestone eight years in the making and one that might have once have seemed out of reach.
“Off the field, Steph Kershaw is a fantastic person to have around the group,” Powell said of the gun midfielder, who will crack the ton if she takes the field in all three games.
“On the field, she is a super talent and a super athlete — when you put that combination together it’s pretty unstoppable.”
If the Aussies fail to topple the Black Sticks, they’ll have to take the hard route to Paris through an FIH Olympic qualification tournament from January 13-21.
2023 OCEANIA CUP FIXTURE
Thursday, August 10
Black Sticks Women v Hockeyroos — 3.05pm
Black Sticks Men v Kookaburras — 5.05pm
Saturday, August 12
Black Sticks Men v Kookaburras — 12.05pm
Black Sticks Women v Hockeyroos — 2.05pm
Sunday, August 13
Black Sticks Men v Kookaburras — 12.05pm
Black Sticks Women v Hockeyroos — 12.05pm
HOCKEYROOS 2023 OCEANIA CUP SQUAD
1. Claire Colwill
Position: Midfielder
Age: 19
Hometown: Mackay, QLD
Appearances (goals): 34 (2)
Junior Hockey Club: St Joseph’s Primary School
The youngest member of the team. A skilful, smooth-moving midfielder with great awareness who makes it look like she always has a lot of time in possession.
2. Rosie Malone
Position: Striker
Age: 25
Hometown: Burleigh, QLD
Appearances (goals): 92 (27)
Junior Hockey Club: Burleigh HC
A quick, agile striker with a nose for goal. Scored seven in this year’s FIH Pro League season and proved a game-breaker on several occasions for the Hockeyroos.
3. Brooke Peris
Position: Striker
Age: 30
Hometown: Darwin, NT
Appearances (goals): 194 (33)
Junior Hockey Club: Nightcliff Tigers HC
One of the team’s veterans who debuted in 2013 and is the cousin of dual-sport great Nova Peris (hockey, athletics). A dual-Olympian herself, this will be Brooke’s fifth Oceania Cup.
4. Amy Lawton
Position: Midfielder
Age: 21
Hometown: Emerald, VIC
Appearances (goals): 57 (4)
Junior Hockey Club: Southern United HC
After debuting at 17, she is widely regarded as the next big star in Australian women’s hockey. Elite skills and shows a maturity beyond her age on the pitch. Pace to burn and strength of character to match.
6. Penny Squibb
Position: Defender
Age: 30
Hometown: Tambellup, WA
Appearances (goals): 45 (5)
Junior Hockey Club: Tambellup HC
Hails from a farm four hours out of Perth. A resolute, no-nonsense defender making her Oceania Cup debut.
13. Hattie Shand
Position: Defender
Age: 23
Hometown: Naracoorte, SA
Appearances (goals): 30 (0)
Junior Hockey Club: Adelaide HC
A highly-competitive and skilful defender who is a physical beast on the pitch. Hattie Shand not only has the coolest name in Aussie hockey, but she’s an ironwoman who played in all 16 of the Hockeyroos’ 2022-23 FIH Pro League matches.
14. Stephanie Kershaw
Position: Midfielder
Age: 28
Hometown: Townsville, QLD
Appearances (goals): 97 (16)
Junior Hockey Club: Wests HC
The midfield dynamo is one of the world’s best. Famously scored both goals in the Hockeyroos’ 2022 come-from-behind win over Germany that secured World Cup bronze.
15. Kaitlin Nobbs
Position: Midfielder
Age: 25
Hometown: Newington, NSW
Appearances (goals): 112 (9)
Junior Hockey Club: Curtin Trinity Pirates
Daughter of Olympic gold medallist Lee Capes, Nobbs has become a constant in the Hockeyroos’ engine room. Preparing to play in her third Oceania Cup.
16. Courtney Schonell
Position: Midfielder
Age: 22
Hometown: Narellan Vale, NSW
Appearances (goals): 21 (3)
Junior Hockey Club: Harrington Park HC
A tenacious competitor who lives and breathes hockey. Scored her first two international goals earlier in the year in a 2-1 FIH Pro League win over the Black Sticks and is fast-emerging as one of the world’s most-dangerous attacking mids.
18. Jane Claxton
Position: Midfielder
Age: 30
Hometown: Adelaide, SA
Appearances (goals): 225 (19)
Junior Hockey Club: Burnside HC
Preparing to compete in her fifth Oceania Cup, a consummate professional who leaves no stone unturned to get the best out of herself and the players around her. Absolute boss in the middle who loves the bash and crash.
19. Jocelyn Bartram
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 30
Hometown: Albury, NSW
Appearances (goals): 86 (0)
Junior Hockey Club: Wombats HC
Had an outstanding 2022 World Cup where she was named player of the match in the bronze medal win over Germany after a series of medal-saving denials that stonewalled the Die Danas. One of the world’s best custodians under the extreme pressure of shootouts.
20. Karri Somerville
Position: Defender
Age: 24
Hometown: Kensington, WA
Appearances (goals): 30 (0)
Junior Hockey Club: Victoria Park HC
Missed a large part of 2023 with a knee injury. A calm and composed defender who has fully recovered and will acquire valuable experience in her Oceania Cup debut.
21. Renee Taylor
Position: Midfielder
Age: 26
Hometown: Everton Park, QLD
Appearances (goals): 115 (15)
Junior Hockey Club: Commercial, Waverley HC
With great technical ability and game awareness, coach Katrina Powell knows exactly what she’s going to get — no mistakes, relentless effort and a potent penalty corner threat.
22. Tatum Stewart
Position: Defender
Age: 21
Hometown: Toowoomba, QLD
Appearances (goals): 13 (2)
Junior Hockey Club: Rangeville Bulldogs HC
Strong and determined defender who has quickly established herself as a key member of the Hockeyroos defence after making her debut back in March. Watch for her to get the call up on penalty corners — the young gun is a set-piece dynamo who loves a goal.
24. Mariah Williams
Position: Striker
Age: 28
Hometown: Parkes, NSW
Appearances (goals): 117 (19)
Junior Hockey Club: Newcastle Souths, Parkes Rovers
The dual Olympian who debuted in 2013 has battled injuries over her career but the undeniable talent looks to be back to her best. One of the key targets up front for the Hockeyroos who will have a big say in the tournament result.
29. Rebecca Greiner
Position: Midfielder
Age: 24
Hometown: Bundaberg, QLD
Appearances (goals): 52 (6)
Junior Hockey Club: All Blacks HC
Has taken her game to another level in 2022-23, appearing in all 16 of the Hockeyroos’ FIH Pro League games, bashing in a brace on a pair of world class finishes against Great Britain.
30. Grace Stewart
Position: Striker
Age: 26
Hometown: Gerringong, NSW
Appearances (goals): 111 (30)
Junior Hockey Club: Gerringong HC
Returns to the team after missing the Hockeyroos’ European tour. Possesses a clutch gene that has helped her build a reputation as a big-game performer who tends to bob up with a goal when the Hockeyroos need it most.
41. Zoe Newman
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 24
Hometown: Gymea Bay, NSW
Appearances (goals): 6 (0)
Junior Hockey Club: Tartans HC
A late inclusion for the injured Aleisha Power, the promising shot-stopper oozes potential — and is plenty of fun, given her crowd-pleasing jig after saving a penalty stroke during the Hockeyroos’ recent series against India in Adelaide.
KOOKABURRAS 2023 OCEANIA CUP SQUAD
2. Tom Craig
Position: Midfielder
Age: 27
Hometown: Lane Cove, NSW
Appearances (goals): 119 (39)
Junior Hockey Club: Ryde Hunters Hill HC
A barnstorming midfielder with blistering pace and the build of a rugby player. New Zealand-born parents will have to choose a side as he prepares to take on the Kiwis in his fourth Oceania Cup.
4. Jake Harvie
Position: Defender
Age: 25
Hometown: Dardanup, WA
Appearances (goals): 117 (5)
Junior Hockey Club: Boyanup Junior HC
A fast attacking outside halfback with a sound tactical hockey mind that predicates sound decision-making on the pitch. Don’t be surprised if you see him haring up the wing at breakneck speed in search of a goal one minute and the next he’ll be up in the grill of an opposition striker, thwarting the attack.
6. Matthew Dawson
Position: Defender
Age: 29
Hometown: Killarney Vale, NSW
Appearances (goals): 189 (13)
Junior Hockey Club: Norths Newcastle
Son of former Australian cricketer Trish Dawson, the experienced defender gives no quarter and gives the Kookas a more-than-adequate alternative option at penalty corners.
7. Nathan Ephraums
Position: Striker
Age: 24
Hometown: Keysborough, VIC
Appearances (goals): 53 (28)
Junior Hockey Club: Southern United HC
With a record of better than a goal every two games, Ephraums, at just 24, has developed into one of the world’s most prolific and exciting strikers. Helped himself to a double — and a gold medal — as the Kookaburras crushed India at what might have been the last ever Commonwealth Games.
8. Johan Durst
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 32
Hometown: Melbourne, VIC
Appearances (goals): 24 (0)
Junior Hockey Club: TEM HC
A good shot blocker whose ability to organise the defence in front of him has been lauded by teammates. Durst’s influence and performance in the Oceania Cup will be pivotal, given the absence of the injured Andrew Charter. A chance for the Melbourne gun to shine — and issue a friendly challenge to Charter for the Kookaburras’ No.1 custodian mantle ahead of Paris.
10. Josh Beltz
Position: Defender
Age: 27
Hometown: Hobart, TAS
Appearances (goals): 99 (5)
Junior Hockey Club: Diamondbacks HC
Coach Colin Batch’s Swiss Army knife has the ability to play in various positions, making him a valuable contributor. Scored one of the best goals of the Tokyo Olympics and will tick over the 100-game milestone in the Oceania Cup this week.
11. Eddie Ockenden
Position: Defender
Age: 36
Hometown: Hobart, TAS
Appearances (goals): 424 (72)
Junior Hockey Club: North West Grads HC
Old faithful. Australian hockey’s games record holder is an integral part of the Kookaburras defensive unit. The 400-gamer has played every position on the park through a heralded career that now enters an eighth Oceania Cup. An ornament to the game, still with plenty left in the tank.
12. Jake Whetton
Position: Midfielder
Age: 32
Hometown: Brisbane, QLD
Appearances (goals): 258 (74)
Junior Hockey Club: Eastern Suburbs HC
The Kookaburras’ ‘busy bee’. An energetic, agile midfielder who is beloved by fellow Kookaburras for his relentless approach to the game and a standout team-before-self ethos.
13. Blake Govers
Position: Striker
Age: 27
Hometown: Wollongong, NSW
Appearances (goals): 146 (134)
Junior Hockey Club: Uni of Wollongong, Albion Park HC
The Dustin Martin of world hockey. One of the planet’s best drag flickers with an incredible games-to-goals ratio of almost 1:1. Can turn the game in a moment with his lethal goalscoring instinct. At his best, can win a game by himself, just like Richmond’s triple-AFL-premiership-winning Brownlow medallist.
15. Jayden Atkinson
Position: Midfielder
Age: 22
Hometown: Cairns, QLD
Appearances (goals): 8 (0)
Junior Hockey Club: Brothers HC
Entering the pressure cooker of his first Oceania Cup, 22-year-old Atkinson has already shown in his short career he has all the makings of an elite international star.
16. Tim Howard
Position: Defender
Age: 27
Hometown: Wakerley, QLD
Appearances (goals): 121 (2)
Junior Hockey Club: Eastern Suburbs HC
One of the Kookaburras’ defensive generals who has developed into a reliable, hard-nosed pillar. Rarely makes a mistake and drives opposing strikers to frustration on the regular.
17. Aran Zalewski
Position: Midfielder
Age: 32
Hometown: Margaret River, WA
Appearances (goals): 240 (34)
Junior Hockey Club: Margaret River HC
The midfield Rolls Royce has long been one of the world’s best. His leadership and unflappable temperament have been — and continue to be — crucial in the Kookaburras’ success over the past decade.
18. Ben Rennie
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 32
Hometown: Perth, WA
Appearances (goals): 11 (0)
Junior Hockey Club: Hale HC
Known to have cat-like reflexes, Rennie has represented Australia at three Indoor World Cups. This will be his first Oceania Cup after continuing to cut his teeth in sporadic appearances in the recent FIH Pro League.
20. Ky Willott
Position: Striker
Age: 22
Hometown: Newcastle, NSW
Appearances (goals): 31 (8)
Junior Hockey Club: Norths HC
One of the Kookaburras’ young guns who is a constant goal scoring threat. Scored four goals in the FIH Pro League, including one against the Black Sticks, and hails from one of NSW’s finest hockey families — his grandfather, father and brothers have all represented the Blues.
21. Jack Welch
Position: Striker
Age: 25
Hometown: Hobart, TAS
Appearances (goals): 27 (10)
Junior Hockey Club: Diamondbacks HC
The quiet achiever is a dynamic striker with flashy skills. Can score cracking goals and tends to bob up at opportune times. Will be determined to show his class in his first Oceania Cup.
22. Flynn Ogilvie
Position: Midfielder
Age: 29
Hometown: Wollongong, NSW
Appearances (goals): 149 (27)
Junior Hockey Club: Uni of Wollongong HC
One of the Kookaburras’ drivers in the midfield who has an uncanny ability of making defenders look like witches hats. A smart and creative player whose abilities are very easy on the eye.
23. Daniel Beale
Position: Midfielder
Age: 30
Hometown: Brisbane, QLD
Appearances (goals): 226 (34)
Junior Hockey Club: Commercial HC, Bulimba HC
Smooth-moving and highly-competitive midfielder with great vision. One of the veterans in the team who is a steadying presence in the hunt for his fourth Oceania Cup.
32. Jeremy Hayward
Position: Defender
Age: 30
Hometown: Darwin, NT
Appearances (goals): 210 (105)
Junior Hockey Club: Waratahs HC
Named the Defender of the Tournament at January’s World Cup — where he was also the top goal scorer. The deadly drag flicker is among the Kookaburras’ leaders and captained the team for the first time in February. Arguably the most valuable player in the squad with his devastating two-way abilities.
Hockeyroos respond to critics with victory over South Africa
Hockeyroos coach Trinity Powell’s decision to overlook star striker Rosie Malone has paid off as the youthful side kicked off their Paris campaign with a victory after early struggles.
Snubbed Hockeyroo set for shock code switch
A shock code switch awaits snubbed Hockeyroo Rosie Malone. Discover which sport has snapped her up and where she has signed.