40 stars: We name the top male and female Toowoomba hockey players to watch this season
The 2023 Toowoomba Hockey Association season is shaping up as one of the best in recent years. The Chronicle has the run the rule over every A1 men’s and women’s team to name our stars to watch. Find who from your club made the list here.
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The 2023 Toowoomba Hockey Association is shaping up as one of the best in recent memory.
With a host of talented juniors making their way into the senior ranks and plenty of veterans back for another run, the action is expected to exciting.
Chasing a fifth straight A1 Men’s premiership, Red Lion will once again be the hunted.
“It’s always tough when you’re the defending champions,” Red Lion coach Craig Smith.
“You have a target on you and everyone steps up their game.
“It’s a welcome challenge though – we’re certainly very excited about the season ahead.
“We’ve lost a few players.
“(Striker) Oliver Harding and our keeper Daniel Burge have both moved away from Toowoomba and we’re missing a few other, but that means there’s an opportunity for other players, especially our juniors, to step up.
“It’s really important to have that focus as well – you need to support your juniors and build for the future.
Men’s A1
Newtown
Josh McPaul: With his new Australia Country ‘cap in hand’ McPaul brings experience, leadership and plenty of goals to the forward line. One of Toowoomba’s most effective strikers.
Other key players: Mitch Pammenter, Scott Richards, Lachlan Ziviani.
Norths
Alex Hilton: The talented keeper will be a key figure inNorth’s bid to wrestle the premiership away from Red Lion. Hilton has steadily risen through the ranks and if he matches the potential he has shown in the past, Norths will be hard to beat.
Other key players: Kris Glass, Liam Brown, Will Suey
Red Lion
Ryan Bidgood: The Club Glenvale Pre-season Challenge Player of the Final is primed for a big season. A skilful defender who has developed and improved consistently over the past few season.
Other key players: Corey Guse, Lachlan Brownhalls, Tom Burge.
Past High
Matt Hawthorne: Carries great form into the season proper after being named Club Glenvale Challenge Player of the Tournament. Proved just how dangerous he can be in attack – showing off his excellent dragflicking skills with a cracking goal in the Club Glenvale final.
Other key players: Jay Mogg, Alexander Cronk, Jack Hawthorne.
Rangeville
Jack Hill: A young exciting player with heaps of untapped potential. Troubles opposition teams with ability to carry the ball forward at pace and shoot from anywhere in the attacking half. Uses his long frame well to shield the ball from defenders.
Other key players: Wilson Love, Tom Campbell, Karl Harland
WOMEN’S A1
Norths
Briana Suey: The ultimate all-rounder, Suey can play in all three lines. The representative star has a great hockey IQ and is a natural leader despite being just 21 years of age.
Other key players: Piper Treeby, Jane Butler, Rebecca Dwyer.
Red Lion
Tamara Southee: Recently named in the Toowoomba Open Women’s rep team, Southee is a dependable defender who reads the game well, communicates with her teammates and has a great tackle.
Other key players: Keira Nicholls, Tess Henare, Bobbie Hamlet.
Rangeville
Tannah Hood: The 2022 Toowoomba Hockey Association Player of the Year commands the midfield. A dynamic and aggressive player with great stick skills who leads by example.
Other key players: Lily Kemph, Brooke Thompson, Macey Hill.
Newtown
Sarah Bradbury: The Club Glenvale Challenge Player of the Tournament was unbeatable in goal – a huge factor in her side winning the tournament. THA has some fantastic keepers progressing through the ranks and Bradbury is among the best of them.
Other key players: Amanda Ross, Eloise Mckenzie, Aime Doveton
Past High
Emily McKewen: A fantastic player who controls the middle of the field with ease. The hard working midfielder is equally comfortable picking out her teammates with the right pass or driving into space.
Other key players: Savannah Trapp, Georgina Grieg, Holly Gilbar.
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