Kookaburras squad 2025: London Olympic medallist Simon Orchard on who will survive Australian hockey’s selection Hunger Games

It was a brutal survival of the fittest, more Hunger Games than hockey. Now, new Kookaburras coach Mark Hager has several huge selection decisions that will shape our Olympic destiny.

After eight brutal FIH Pro League games, new Kookaburras coach Mark Hager has some massive selection decisions to make that will have lasting effects on the national team set up in it’s chase for 2028 Olympic gold.

The fight to nail one of the seven remaining spots in the Kookaburras’ centralised 24-man high performance squad, at times, represented more Hunger Games than hockey, as some 20 hopefuls pushed their bodies and minds to the limit in a bid to catch the eyes of selectors.

The battle within the battle made for some gripping hockey – the Kooka’s beat world No.1 Netherlands, knocked over World No.2 Belgium for the first time in six years and topped No.8 Argentina in the run.

The Kookaburras are set to name their full 2025 squad in the next 10 days.

Here’s who London Olympic bronze medallist Simon Orchard believes Hager and company might look to as the road to LA begins:

Simon Orchard in action for the Kookaburras at the Rio Olympics. Picture: AFP

GUARANTEES

Cam Geddes: made his international debut in Argentina this month and is our most exciting young talent. A speedy and strong line breaker with arguably the most dangerous aerial ability in the country.

Cam Geddes of Australia controls the ball Picture: WORLDSPORTPICS

Davis Atkin puts his best foot forward for Kookaburras selection.

Davis Atkin: scored one of the goals of the Pro League season during the Sydney leg, an area of his game that he needs to improve to take his game to a new level. A savvy midfielder with silky hands, he should get an opportunity in the engine room.

Ash Thomas: the only remaining goalkeeper from the 2024 Olympic squad is a dependable shot stopper with immense shootout ability. Given the last four men’s major tournaments have been decided by 1v1s, Thomas must be selected.

Kookaburras goalkeeper Ash Thomas. Picture: Rodrigo Jaramillo

HUGE CHANCE

Nathan Czinner: At 22, he’s got two Olympic cycles ahead of him and should force his way into a more attacking midfield role. A clever ball carrier who puts defences under constant pressure.

Nathan Czinner has a long future in Australian colours.

Jack Welch has done all he can to stamp himself as a Kookaburra.

Jack Welch: debuted for the Kookaburras back in 2018 but has often found himself on the periphery due to our elite striker stocks. The Tasmanian adds experience, goalscoring nous, aggression and a huge aerobic tank.

JURY’S OUT

Connar Otterbach: Otterbach had several nice moments in Sydney and looks a likely run-and-carry type out of deep defence. The Victorian emerged as a brave penalty corner defensive runner and could jag a spot.

Connar Otterbach during the FIH Pro League.

Australia's Tom Harvie pursues Belgium's William Ghislain during the FIH Pro League men's clash. Picture: AFP

Tom Harvie: younger brother of Paris Olympian Jake, the central defender has considerable range on his passing game – both aerially and along the ground – a long defensive reach and is combative in the contest.

Jayden Atkinson: competing with Atkin for an attacking midfield role, both are smaller-bodied midfielders who rely on quick hands and 3D skills to create. Atkinson has a nifty throw-and-go approach that allows him to find advanced and dangerous positions.

Jayden Atkinson has Olympian Simon Orchard's seal of approval.

Joel Rintala has battled injury since bursting onto the scene. Picture: Johan Schmidt Photography

Joel Rintala: has a stack of ability but his body continues to let him down.

Barely sighted in the green and gold since he burst onto the scene in 2023 with a hat trick in just his second international.

Rintala would add another intriguing wrinkle to Australia’s strike force.

Can he stay on the park long enough to warrant selection? I’m not sure.

Originally published as Kookaburras squad 2025: London Olympic medallist Simon Orchard on who will survive Australian hockey’s selection Hunger Games