Hockey One 2023 season preview: Michael Randall looks at every club’s men’s and women’s units as Hockeyroos’ star Steph Kershaw joins reloaded Brisbane Blaze
NSW Pride won both men’s and women’s Hockey One titles in 2022, but teams have reloaded in 2023 to break the Pride’s dominance. Read the full season preview for each Hockey One team here.
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A massive injection of past and present Hockeyroos and Kookaburras, coupled with internationals from all over the world converging on Australia is set to elevate the new Hockey One season.
It’s the best collection of talent ever assembled in the national league, and it’s the Brisbane Blaze, with the arrival of one of the world’s best players among a host of Hockeyroos added to an already elite squad, who have made a big noise in a bid for revenge on their 2022 grand final-conquerors NSW Pride.
SCROLL DOWN FOR A LOOK AT HOW EVERY CLUB IS SHAPING UP IN 2023
Not that coach Nikki Taylor is playing into the rivalry.
Asked which team she was excited to match up against, Taylor played a straight bat: “While I don’t have a specific team in mind, I look forward to competing against any team that brings out the best in the Blaze players.”
“Every opponent presents a unique challenge.”
Sure, Nikki, wink, wink.
With the likes of internationally-renowned Steph Kershaw set to play Hockey One for the first time and a batch of seasoned Hockeyroos veterans and young stars of the future at her disposal, Taylor rolled out an old cliche: “we have a talented group of individuals who all bring their unique strengths to the game,” Taylor said.
“It is important to note that our team’s strength lies in its collective effort and the synergy among all players.
“Each member contributes to our success and it’s the combined efforts that makes the Blaze exciting to watch.”
The Blaze will be among the most-exciting teams but, with the reigning premier Pride going nowhere, a Hockey Club Melbourne outfit that dominated the regular season and then bombed out of the finals playing with a massive chip on its shoulder, and the best defence in the league returning for Perth, the women’s league is wide open.
The Hockey One season begins on Friday and runs until November 19, with the finals held on November 25-26 in Canberra.
Michael Randall looks at how each of the seven clubs women’s and men’s units are shaping up ahead of Friday’s season opener:
ADELAIDE FIRE WOMEN
Last season: Sixth (1-5)
Coach: Hugh Purvis
Squad: Linzi Appleyard, Erin Cameron, Chloe Carter, Sherilyn Cass, Marjolein Ceulen, Jane Claxton, Anna Crowley, Ella Du Preez, Holly Evans-Gill, Asta Fisher, Amy Hammond, Carly Hoffmann, Chloe Holland, Euleena Maclachlan, Gabby Mitreska, Zoe Newman, Brooke Peris, Hattie Shand, Katie Sharkey, Lucy Sharman, Miki Spano, Brittany Wang
Key players: Brooke Peris, Jane Claxton, Hattie Shand
X-factor: Zoe Newman — Was No. 2 behind Jocelyn Bartram at NSW — and in the Hockeyroos squad. Assumes the No. 1 keeper spot in Adelaide and, after making an impressive debut for Australia earlier this year, will have every opportunity to continue to push her case as Bartram’s heir-apparent in the national set up.
The rub: What’s the best way to address a popgun attack that managed just six goals in six games last season? Add a near-200-game, two-time Olympian with 36 international goals in Brooke Peris. Throw in some elite international flavour with the arrival of rising Kiwi duo Brittany Wang and Anna Crowley and Dutch striker Marjolein Ceulen. Bookend those arrivals with a young gun goalkeeper in Zoe Newman and local hockey icon Jane Claxton and fellow Hockeyroo Hattie Shand might have the support cast to make waves.
Coach’s corner: “We have a fantastic group of athletes who’re energetic, competitive and driven and we’re hoping to translate all of the squad characteristics into an enjoyable and extremely competitive brand of hockey. We have an abundance of high quality people and hockey players in our team. Melody Cooper and I are fortunate to be coaching this group of women in 2023.” — Hugh Purvis
ADELAIDE FIRE MEN
Last season: Last (0-6)
Coach: Roel van Maastrigt
Squad: Lachlan Arneil, Eddie Chittleborough, Mitchell Dell, Jethro Eustice, Brodie Gleeson, Kieran Govers, Fred Gray, Richard Hancock, Fraser Heigh, Jack Holland, Matthew Magann, Alastair Oliver, Kyton Rayner, Connor Richmond-Spouse, Peter Scott, Paxton Silby, Hassan Singh, Hugh Snowden, Jed Snowden, Lucas Toonen, Charl Ulrich, Chris Wells
Key players: Jethro Eustice, Fred Gray, Peter Scott
X-factor: Jack Holland — Quickly found his feet in his debut Hockey One campaign and five goals at last year’s Sultan of Johor Cup underlined his prodigious talent. The definition of x-factor, Holland’s nickname could be ‘Hollywood’, given the flair and pizzazz he exudes on the field.
The rub: Talk about a tough season. Six games for six losses and a goal difference of -23 left Adelaide languishing at the bottom of the ladder. But, hope springs eternal and, with a new coach and new recruiting strategy targeting international talent, the Fire have added star power, breeding optimism in the City of Churches. The most-recognisable face is tattooed wonder Kieran Govers, who has 60 international goals for the Kookaburras under his belt and the individual brilliance to be a matchwinner every time he sets foot on the pitch. Joining Govers is Scotland international Fraser Heigh, who hammered 29 goals in the WA Premier League, and English midfielder Peter Scott off the back of leading MCC to the Vic Premier League title with two goals in two minutes in the prelim. Add in Kiwi Simon Yorsten and South African Jethro Eustice and the Fire now have experience and a toughness they’ve desperately missed.
Coach’s corner: “The key focus for the Adelaide Fire remains the same as in 2022. We want to be a team South Australia can be proud of and look forward to watching. Last year we played some really competitive games and, with the support of our local community, we hope to challenge the competition even more.” — Roel van Maastrigt
BRISBANE BLAZE WOMEN
Last season: Fourth (3-3* — one shootout loss), beaten grand finalists* (shootout)
Coach: Nikki Taylor
Squad: Jordan Bliss, Claire Colwill, Hannah Cullum-Sanders, Casey Dolkens, Dayle Dolkens, Kendra Fitzpatrick, Madison Fitzpatrick, Savannah Fitzpatrick, Morgan Gallagher, Rebecca Greiner, Ruby Harris, Jodie Kenny, Stephanie Kershaw, Emily Kingston, Kyra Livermore, Rosie Malone, Morgan Mathison, Jade Reid, Tatum Stewart, Keeley Walker, Georgina West, Britt Wilkinson
Key players: Steph Kershaw, Rosie Malone, Tatum Stewart
X-factor: Hannah Cullum-Sanders — Power-packed pocket rocket who made her Hockeyroos debut this year. The 20-year-old is deadly around goals but, most impressively, she’s like a hawk stalking its prey when tracking back and pinching balls off defenders to fuel attack. On track to be a Hockeyroos’ mainstay and will be keen to back up her early international appearances with a massive Hockey One season.
The rub: Snuck into the top four, knocked off the top side in the semi final, setting up a decider against NSW. There’s a fine line between fairytale and heartbreak, though, and so it was, in a thrilling shootout, the Blaze were edged by the Pride. Fast forward a year and that painful memory is just that. Coach Nikki Taylor is trying to keep a lid on things, but the Blaze have put together a super team, led by Hockeyroos prime mover Steph Kershaw — the best player in Hockey One, according to Kookaburras’ legend Jamie Dwyer. Homegrown internationals Tatum Stewart, Sav Fitzpatrick, Claire Colwill, Rosie Malone, Hannah Cullum-Sanders and Morgan Gallagher are all lethal and, when you throw in veteran Hockeyroos Madison Fitzpatrick and Jodie Kenny and you have the makings of a champion.
Coach’s corner: “Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to the success of the team and witness the growth and achievements of each player. Every opponent presents a unique challenge and I believe that every match-up offers valuable learning experiences for our team. Our team’s strength lies in its collective effort and synergy.” — Nikki Taylor
BRISBANE BLAZE MEN
Last season: Top (5-1), beaten grand finalists
Coach: Matthew Wells
Squad: Jacob Anderson, Jayden Atkinson, Daniel Beale, Scott Boyde, Lucas Brown, Diarmid Chappell, Cale Cramer, Noah Fahy, Michael Francis, Max Harding, Liam Hart, Tim Howard, David Hubbard, Shane Kenny, Will Mathison, Josh Mynott, Mitchell Nicholson, Luke Randle, Joel Rintala, Aaron Weiss, Corey Weyer, Jake Whetton
Key players: Joel Rintala, Jake Whetton, Tim Howard
X-factor: Jayden Atkinson — Cairns product who made his Kookaburras debut in the FIH Pro League earlier this year and looks set to play a key role as a defensive midfielder and connector for the Blaze. Inspiring story of resilience, coming back from a serious knee injury in 2020 to stamp himself as a future national fixture.
The rub: After a top-of-the-table finish last season, the Blaze were extinguished in the semi final by a combination of Bendigo’s infamously icy conditions that forced the game to be paused midway through the second quarter and a perfect shootout performance from eventual premier NSW. A new kit and new coach will lead a largely stable unit that sports international talent across all lines. Freakishly talented Jacob Whetton headlines a long list of Kookaburras that includes the likes of Daniel Beale, Tim Howard, Jacob Anderson and Jayden Atkinson, who all return. Joel Rintala — Olympic swim star Shayna Jack’s beau — produced a remarkable start to his international career with a hat trick in his Kookaburras’ debut and emulated the feat in his second game, before injury struck. Dual international Scott Boyde also returns, with the Blaze banking on stability.
Coach’s corner: “The squad has had a good preparation leading into the season. We’ve had an eight-week training block, which included a pre-season trip to Darwin to play the SRA Territory Stingers. As we have a less experienced group this year, this trip gave us the opportunity to expose the younger athletes who haven’t played Hockey One yet to this high level of competition. It’s quite exciting that we get to bring in new players who have earnt the opportunity.” — Matthew Wells
CANBERRA CHILL WOMEN
Last season: Fifth (3-3)
Coach: Matt Cook
Squad: Emma Baxter, Edwina Bone, Tamsin Bunt, Kalindi Commerford, Kaitlin Cotter, Madeline Dooley, Samantha Economos, Mikayla Evans, Naomi Evans, Sarah Hawkshaw, Rene Hunter, Claudia Johnston, Olivia Martin, Katie Mullan, Mikaela Patterson, Emily Robson, Zanthe Sheargold, Georgie Smithers, Sarah Steinhardt, Roisin Upton, Sarah White, Lauren Yee
Key players: Roisin Upton, Rene Hunter, Edwina Bone
X-factor: Mikaela Patterson — After making her Hockeyroos debut back in 2017, the 26-year-old midfielder will be one of the keys for the Chill in their quest for a top-four spot. A dynamo on the pitch, she’s at the peak of her powers, dominating the Women’s Capital League with a second consecutive Player of the Year gong.
The rub: Wheels fell off after winning three of their first four last season, conceding nine goals to one in their last two games to fall out of the finals race. The Chill have called on the luck of the Irish to help propel them back into finals calculations, with a trio of internationals from the Emerald Isle in Roison Upton, Sarah Hawkshaw and Katie Mullan. Ex-Hockeyroos’ defensive dynamo Edwina Bone returns, with a question mark over how many, if any, games she will play, while Kiwi Kaitlin Cotter and Lauren Yee are highly-rated.
Coach’s corner: “We’ll have one of the youngest squads in the competition this season with nine players aged 22 or younger, but we’ve also been able to add some experience as well, particularly those that have represented internationally, that can provide us with balance that hopefully we can build upon.” — Matt Cook
CANBERRA CHILL MEN
Last season: Second (5-1* — one shootout win), lost third-place playoff
Coach: Seyi Onitiri
Squad: Jesse Absolom, Davis Atkin, Garry Backhus, Sean Baker, Owen Chivers, Hayden Dillon, Aiden Dooley, Anand Gupte, Jamie Hawke, Brendan Hill, Jeremy Hopkins, James Jewel, Koby Johnstone, Jay Macdonald, Fletcher Norris, Rupinder Pal Singh, Max Robson, Oscar Smart, Ben Staines, Jake Staines, Jaume Torras, Connor Tuddenham
Key players: Davis Atkin, Rupinder Pal Singh, Garry Backhus
X-factor: Staines twins, Ben and Jake — Twin brothers etched in Chill history, each having both scored in the club’s first Hockey One victory, way back in 2019. Midfielder Jake is the linkman for the Chill, sharing an uncanny synergy with striker Ben. The pair will continue to add edge for Canberrans as they aim for another visit to the postseason.
The rub: Fortified by superstar Kookaburras’ goalkeeper Andrew Charter, the Chill conceded just nine goals in their six regular season games last campaign and won every contest bar one. But, when the whips were cracking, the Chill froze under the pressure, allowing 12 goals in their two finals to finish fourth. With reigning Player of the League Charter still recovering from a serious hamstring injury suffered in August during preparation for the Oceania Cup, the Chill take on a different look in 2023. There was no bigger signing in men’s Hockey One than Indian rock star Rupinder Pal Singh. He brings with him Olympic bronze from Tokyo and 119 international goals and a promise that Hockey One’s second-highest scoring team will be even more potent. Add Spaniard Jaume Torras, and another year of development for emergent young guns Davis Atkin, Aiden Dooley and Jay MacDonald and there’s still plenty of heat in this Chill squad.
Coach’s corner: “We’re coming into the new season with a strong core of players that were with us last season, some of which now have been able to further their careers and get some international experience. We’ve also been able to add a certain dual Olympian who can only help us.” – Seyi Onitiri
HC MELBOURNE WOMEN
Last season: 1st (5-1), lost third-place playoff
Coach: Dan Mitchell
Squad: Megan Alakus, Laura Barden, Krissy Bates, Jessie Dean, Olivia Downes, Gracie Geddis, Hannah Gravenall, Amelie Green, Emily Hamilton-Smith, Nicola Hammond, Charlotte Hodgson, Carly James, Bridget Laurance, Amy Lawton, Josie Lawton, Rach Lynch, Jo Peeters, Sam Snow, Aisling Utri, Ciara Utri, Rosario Villagra, Zali Ward
Key players: Amy Lawton, Rach Lynch and Hannah Gravenall
X-factor: Josie Lawton — She’s the sister of Hockeyroos starlet and teammate Amy Lawton, but Josie Lawton is carving an emergent path of her own. Coming into her second Hockey One season, Josie has the tools to turn a game on its head from any position. An exciting player who will catch the eye with her pace and strength on the ball.
The rub: Bitterly disappointing finish to 2022 as the top-of-the-table HCM girls went from chocolates to boiled lollies with 23 goals in the regular season — and none in either final. With an all-time great custodian in Rachael Lynch and one of the world’s best midfielders and reigning Hockey One Player of the Year Amy Lawton, this is a team packed with elite talent that will have a chip on its shoulder in 2023. Former Hockeyroo Laura Barden returned home from Belgium club EHC Thun Dragons with the EuroHockey Club Trophy and backed that up by helping Camberwell win the Vic Premier League title — she’s a massive addition. Ash Utri comes off a Hockeyroos debut and maiden goal as part of a stable squad that hopes its additions will go a ways to banishing the finals demons of last season.
Coach’s corner: “It has been really cool to get to work on a preparation with a balance of on-field work to compliment the off-field development the group really owns. A combination of what worked well from last year, mixed in with some fresh concepts has made it an exciting build up to Hockey One. It is just such an exciting group to be a part of with a great balance of senior players and a youthful crop pushing through.” — Dan Mitchell
HC MELBOURNE MEN
Last season: Sixth (2-4)
Coach: Andrew Smith
Squad: Kiran Arunasalam, Doug Buckley, Cooper Burns, Nathan Copey, Johan Durst, Nathan Ephraums, Frazer Gerrard, Liam Henderson, James Knee, Brad Marais, Craig Marais, George McGeoch, Luke Noblett, Connar Otterbach, Jayshaan Randhawa, Jordan Rees, Nye Roberts, Josh Simmonds, Damon Steffens, Lachlan Steinfort, Carlin Walker, Ben White
Key players: Johan Durst, Nathan Ephraums and Craig Marais
X-factor: Liam Henderson — Young gun midfielder Liam Henderson will use his second Hockey One campaign to showcase the skill and control that will make him a key member of the Burras’ FIH Junior World Cup squad in December. The 19-year-old provides plenty of spark and possesses class that belies his tender years.
The rub: The most potent attacking team in 2022 finished second last, because they couldn’t defend a lick — they led the competition with 23 goals (nine against cellar dwellers Adelaide), but gave up 25 at the other end. With a new coach in Andrew Smith, eight new players and a fresh perspective, the men from Melbourne will be hoping defensive fortification can spark a rise up the ladder. After four games in his debut season, 20-year-old Cooper Burns tore the Victorian Premier League apart and should make the attack even more potent in a regular role. Then they just have to keep the ball out of the net.
Coach’s corner: “Following a successful team-building weekend at the start of the training phase, the squad has continued to progress in their connections on and off the pitch and seen the positive benefits manifest through improved performances. We have a combination of youthful energy mixed with years of experience. There is an exciting air of freshness about the group and a collective goal of being a strong finals contender.” — Andrew Smith
NSW PRIDE WOMEN
Last season: Second (4-2), Premiers
Coach: Scott Barker
Squad: Alice Arnott, Ellie Baldwin, Jocelyn Bartram, Ella Carr, Laura Gray, Greta Hayes, Chelsea Holmes, Estelle Hughes, Grace Jeffrey, Makayla Jones, Hannah Kable, Alana Kavanagh, Miri Maroney, Kaitlin Nobbs, Courtney Schonell, Maddi Smith, Emma Spinks, Grace Stewart, Kendelle Tait, Mariah Williams, Abby Wilson, Grace Young
Key players: Mariah Williams, Jocelyn Bartram, Grace Stewart
X-factor: Greta Hayes — Now 26, the gun midfielder won a silver medal at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and went to the Tokyo Olympics with the Hockeyroos. She’s classy, skilled and cool under pressure, her grand final-winning shootout conversion etched in NSW hockey folklore.
The rub: If you needed an indication of how tight the league was last season, NSW finished second on goal difference, beat fourth-place Perth by the narrowest of margins — 1-0 — thanks to Courtney Schonell and then held off Brisbane in a grand final shootout for the ages, goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram the hero. Talk about pressure. The young Pride — with an average age of just 23 eat pressure for breakfast, though. Mariah Williams dominated the grand final in a best afield effort and she’ll be back for more, while Grace Stewart finished the season with more goals (9) than any other player in Hockey One. Look across every line and the Pride have world class players, including Hockeyroo Grace Young — and the returning Kaitlin Nobbs — and next-gen green and gold talent in the likes of Alana Kavanagh, Greta Hayes, Alice Arnott, Abby Wilson and Maddison Smith, the hardest job for new coach Scott Barker might be finding pitch time for them all.
Coach’s corner: “Our preparation is progressing nicely. The squad has been training for the last four weeks and we have high expectations for another successful campaign. We are focusing on our way of play, building on new combinations, and improving our technical and tactical game awareness. The players are excited and can’t wait to get into it.” — Scott Barker
NSW PRIDE MEN
Last season: Fourth (3-3), Premiers
Coach: Brent Livermore
Squad: Nathan Ackroyd, Tim Brand, Tom Craig, Nathan Czinner, Miles Davis, Matthew Dawson, Blake Govers, Sam Gray, Jack Hayes, Callum Mackay, Dylan Martin, Thomas Miotto, Sam Mudford, Flynn Ogilvie, Daine Richards, Lachlan Sharp, Nathanial Stewart, Michael Taylor, Ash Thomas, Rory Walker, Ky Willott, Ryan Woolnough
Key players: Flynn Ogilvie, Tom Craig, Blake Govers
X-factor: Ky Willott — Produced a remarkable piece of individual brilliance in last year’s decider with an insane tomahawk that broke the deadlock with Perth and ensured the Pride made it two from two in Hockey One. The 22-year-old midfield jet made his Kookaburras debut last year and is a rising star on the international stage. Will be keen to assert his dominance in Hockey One to ensure a trip to Paris.
The rub: Led by legendary Athens Olympic gold medallist Brent Livermore, this team just knows how to win. Won the inaugural competition in 2019 and did the same last year in Hockey One’s return from a two-season Covid-enforced lay-off. All roads to the title go through the Pride. Incredibly, NSW won last season with star Kookaburras Blake Govers, Lachie Sharp and Tim Brand missing for all but one game. That trio should be available for the whole tournament, in a blow for the six other sides hoping to knock NSW off its perch.
Coach’s corner: “We deal with a lot of adversity as we don’t get to train together as a team in the pre-season, and don’t get an opportunity to prepare the same way as a lot of other states. The way we approach this is to plan the campaign. The beauty of what we have got is the talent, experience and the players’ ability to come together. How much mateship we have created over the two seasons and the hunger and desire the players will bring is really important and we are looking forward to bringing that all together for season three.” — Brent Livermore
PERTH THUNDERSTICKS WOMEN
Last season: Third (4-2), won third-place playoff
Coach: Phil Hulbert
Squad: Sarah Byrnes, Britney DeSilva, Georgina Dowd, Elizabeth Duguid, Neasa Flynn, Rachel Frusher, Annie Gibbs, Line Malan, Elyssa Melville, Pippa Morgan, Kayla O’Sullivan, Lexie Pickering, Saysha Pillay, Aleisha Power, Belle Ramshaw, Jesse Reid, Anna Roberts, Renee Rockliff, Karri Somerville, Penny Squibb, Shanea Tonkin, Georgia Wilson
Key players: Aleisha Power, Karri Somerville, Penny Squibb
X-factor: Pippa Morgan — Ultra-impressive in her Hockeyroos debut in Adelaide, Morgan returns to the Thundersticks after a season with Royal Wellington in Belgian. Highly intelligent and with long limbs that ensure she’s never out of any contest, Morgan could be the arrival that helps the Thundersticks take the next step.
The rub: Went agonisingly close to knocking off the eventual premiers NSW Pride, falling 1-0, before taking their frustration out on top team Hockey Club Melbourne in a 3-0 win for third place. Success is built on a sturdy defence and Hockeyroos Penny Squibb, Aleisha Power and Karri Somerville combined to forge the best in the league last campaign, conceding just eight goals in eight games. With that trio back, the Thundersticks will be hard to score against, but they need more from an attacking group that was shut-out in four of those eight games. Former South African international Line Malan and Shanea Tonkin are both goal machines, while the Thundersticks can expect huge improvement out of 21-year-old Georgina Dowd.
Coach’s corner: “The group is starting to jell really well. We’ve played quite a few tough matches against the U18 Boys and some Hockeyroos players. Things are looking positive and I’ve enjoyed their camaraderie. I’m hoping it’s going to put us in good stead for the season.” — Phil Hulbert
PERTH THUNDERSTICKS MEN
Last season: Third (3-3* — one shootout loss), beaten grand finalists
Coach: Craig Wilson
Squad: William Battistessa, Matthew Bird, Josh Bowen, James Collins, James Day, Bryn De Bes, Liam Flynn, Brodee Foster, Cambell Geddes, Tim Geers, Tom Harvie, Jake Harvie, Brayden King, Tyler Lovell, Frank Main, Trent Mitton, Alistair Murray, Marshall Puzey, Ben Rennie, Tom Wickham, Matthew Willis, Aran Zalewski
Key players: Aran Zalewski, Liam Flynn, James Day
X-factor: Cam Geddes — You can’t miss young speed demon Cam Geddes, whether he’s bursting out of contests with the pill on the end of his stick, hunting down an opponent or finding space, his acceleration and top speed leaves scorch marks on the pitch. Recently selected in the Burras squad for the Sultan of Johor Cup, Geddes won WA Hockey’s youth player of the year award and has his sights set on selection for December’s FIH Junior World Cup.
The rub: It’s revenge SZN in Perth for the Thundersticks’ core of Kookaburras who fell in last year’s grand final to NSW Pride — and they’ve brought in a bunch of high-quality reinforcements. Recruits Trent Mitton, James Day, Matthew Bird and Matthew Willis all have international experience, as does new custodian Tyler Lovell. Throw in a youthful group of rising stars and the Thundersticks have loaded up to take down the champs — even if it’s been an interrupted prep.
Coach’s corner: “Pre-season training is overlapped with varying commitments including the club seasons finishing off in Perth. Some of the players have had national commitments and now we’re able to narrow ourselves into the nitty gritty of it and hopefully fine tune ourselves heading into Round 1 against Canberra. It’s all hands on deck and everyone’s focused and coming together with less of those conflicting commitments.” — Craig Wilson
TASSIE TIGERS WOMEN
Last season: Last, (1-5* — one shootout win)
Coach: Tim Strapp
Squad: Phillida Bridley, Esmee Broekhuizen, Maddison Brooks, Taylor Brooks, Lauren Canning, Maddison Clark, Lucy Cooper, Evelyn Dalton, Beth Dobbie, Emily Donovan, Janelle Featherstone, Zayna Jackson, Jemma Kenworthy, Isabelle Kruimink, Kathryn Lane, Louise Maddock, Pipi Martos, Sarah McCambridge, Lucy Millington, Isabelle Sharman, Jade Smith, Camila Vaughan
Key players: Jade Smith, Maddison Brooks, Camila Vaughan
X-factor: Phillida Bridley — Debuted for Tasmania at the tender age of 16, outlining her potential. The dynamic midfielder suffered a devastating knee injury and missed all of last year amid a painstaking recovery. Returned to the pitch in April and is priming for a big Hockey One season. Look out whenever she gets on the wrong side in the attacking circle, her tomahawk is lethal.
The rub: After a forgettable 2022, Tasmanian hockey begins anew under ex-Hockey Club Melbourne coach Tim Strapp — and several high quality additions who have given rise to a finals dream in the Apple Isle. Brisbane striker Jade Smith has made the move south, while English internationals Lucy Millington and Kathryn Lane add class and toughness to a team led by 19-year-old Hockeyroos wunderkind Maddison Brooks. The Tigers have a pair of young custodians in Camilla Vaughan and Evie Dalton who could one day battle it out for the Hockeyroos’ No. 1 keeping spot.
Coach’s corner: “The build up has been very productive. Lots of learnings, both technically and tactically. Most importantly, we have worked on our connections with each other. We have had a handful of practice games against a young boys’ team, which has been beneficial, and we are looking forward to getting the season started this Friday night.” — Tim Strapp
TASSIE TIGERS MEN
Last season: Fifth (3-3* one shootout win, one shootout loss)
Coach: Stephen McMullen
Squad: Key players: Hayden Beltz, Joshua Beltz, Joshua Brooks, Henry Chambers, Tim Deavin, Jeremy Edwards, Gobindraj Gill, Jeremy Hayward, Ehren Hazell, Ruben Hoey, Maxwell Larkin, Josh Mardell, Magnus McCausland, Samuel McCulloch, Tyler McDonald, Joseph Murphy, Eddie Ockenden, Lachlan Rogers, Alex Shaw, Ewan Vickery, Jack Welch, Alistair White
Key players: Jeremy Hayward, Eddie Ockenden, Joshua Beltz
X-factor: Sam McCulloch — Scored his first goal against Adelaide Fire last season before suffering a hamstring injury that ended his 2022 campaign. Part of the Burras team at last year’s Sultan of Johor Cup, he is a strong and talented forward with the ability to score freak goals and a weapon with his drag flicking from penalty corners.
The rub: Tassie just dipped out on the finals on goal difference due largely to a popgun attack that managed just one field goal for the entire tournament, making their 3-3 record all the more commendable. This season, coach Stephen McMullen went on a mission to add spice to his front half and he’s delivered with the signing of two-time Hockey One champion Ehren Hazell from NSW Pride. Hazel was a gun junior who led U18 and U21 nationals in goals and joins WA Hockey player of the year Jack Welch and rising young star Sam McCulloch in a three-pronged attack that should arrest their inability to find the net. They’ll score a ton of goals from set pieces thanks to Kookaburras penalty corner assassin Jeremy Hayward, and they’ll be fortified by the go anywhere, do anything Kookaburras lifer Eddie Ockenden, who will be gunning for that top-four finish that eluded them, last campaign.
Coach’s corner: “I’m happy with our preparation, although we have a few members of our squad dealing with injury. To have all our team in camp for a week to work on our strategy, style and tactics, as well as being able to train together, has been brilliant. We are looking to start the season well and by having all of the players here certainly puts us in a position to do this better than previous years.” — Stephen McMullen
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