CRUNCH TIME: Hockey Tasmania finals live and exclusive

Sports fans wondering how Tasmanian hockey continuously achieves success on an international and national scale, can see for themselves the extraordinary talent pool it is fostering at underage club level. HOW TO ACCESS OUR LIVE COVERAGE >>

Rewatch all of tonight’s action with the U15s girls DiamondBacks vs North-West Grads duking it out an over-time match, and the U18s boys Derwent vs DiamondBacks, where goalie Magnus McClelland rifled an incredible match-ending shot.

SPORTS fans wondering how Tasmanian hockey continuously achieves success on an international and national scale, can see for themselves the extraordinary talent pool it is fostering at underage club level.

For the first time ever, the Mercury and Hockey Tasmania have partnered to bring live streaming of underage club grand finals in Hobart to showcase the next Eddie Ockenden.

The under-15 girls grand final will see DiamondBacks face North-West Graduates from 6pmand the under-18 boys grand final between minor premiers Derwent and DiamondBacks can be seen from 7.30 tonight.

SUBSCRIBERS CAN WATCH BOTH GAMES LIVE HERE FROM 6PM >>

Stella Pritchard (Diamondbacks), Magnus McCausland (Derwent), Oliver Pritchard (Diamondbacks) and Lucy McMullen (NWG) at New Town. Picture Chris Kidd

In the under-18 boys the Strikers finished top of the ladder by a solitary point and the DiamondBacks have earned a win and a draw in their corresponding fixtures this season.

DiamondBacks skipper Oli Pritchard says his side are excited to meet Derwent in the final, after claiming the title in this age group at under fifteen level.

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“This year 11 of our 16 players have played in our Premier League team and the other five have played seniors in First Grade,” Pritchard said.

“Playing senior hockey under coach Richard Davies has lifted our skill level and understanding of the game.”

Lucy McMullen (NWG) and Stella Pritchard (Diamondbacks) at New Town. Picture Chris Kidd

A rare feat will be sort by Derwent’s star goalkeeper Magnus McCausland, who famously claimed a premiership and player of the final in last year’s men’s Premier League grand final.

Still aged just fifteen years, McCausland will leave his goalkeeping gear for Premier League and instead operate as a key forward, where he has led the Strikers goal scoring.

“It’s good to run around and cause some mischief. The benefit is that I know where goalkeepers don’t like the ball and what’s uncomfortable for them,” McCausland said.

“Most of my goals have been deflections or scrappy field goals, because I’m happy to get in there and get dirty.”

Oliver Pritchard (Diamondbacks) and Magnus McCausland (Derwent) at New Town. Picture Chris Kidd

The under 15 girls grand final will see DiamondBacks face North-West Graduates from 6pm, with the pair sharing the spoils 1-1 in their only contest this season.

Former Hockeyroo Bianca Langham-Pritchard’s daughter Stella will lead DiamondBacks, while Lucy McMullen, herself from a famous Tasmanian hockey family will be a key playmaker for Graduates.

The North-West Graduates team includes players from Derwent because some of the teams merged post COVID restrictions in the age group.

Graduates coach Paul Ashby has been delighted with how his squad have come together for a shortened season so quickly to build connections.

“I’ve been very pleased with the way the girls have gelled as a team, having only played seven games together,” Ashby said.

“As a group, they have grown as a team with every outing and we are aiming to continue that growth tonight at 6pm.”

“Our strength on the ball and quick ball movement will be key for us. DiamondBacks are a young and skillful team that have played as a group for a few years now, so it should be a close game with the team that plays as one getting over the line.”

DiamondBacks stars Giselle Fernandez and Sophie Kruimink have had plenty of exposure to Premier League hockey and both loom as potential match winners, with Fernandez averaging better than two goals a game in this age group.