Josh Brooks on his form ahead of the new season

After the best season of his career, Josh Brooks is ready for the Hockey One League campaign. He reveals the keys to his form and who is inspiring him.

Josh Brooks in action. Picture: Chris Kidd

He’s been arguably the forgotten person in a star-studded family in recent times, but a shift to a new position has reignited hopes of Josh Brooks having a standout Hockey One League campaign for the Tassie Tigers.

A move from defensive midfielder to sweeper paid dividends as the Tasmanian claimed the Victorian Premier League Player of the Season.

The strong form may well push the former Australian under-21 star into national calculation, with a new Kookaburras coach set to be announced in the coming weeks.

The KBH Brumbies player said he had zero expectations going into the Player of the Season count comparing his achievement to AFL Brownlow medals won by Matt Priddis and Sam Mitchell.

“I played the year as the free defender and found it very enjoyable because it suited my game, as well as expanding my passing range and developing my tackling,” Brooks said.

“I didn’t go into the night expecting anything and was a bit like Priddis and Mitchell, in that I won the best and fairest for the league but then wasn’t picked in the Team of the Year.

“But for four years now, I’ve still been training with Jay Stacey and the V.I.S, in partnership with the T.I.S, while studying in Melbourne, which has been great to work with someone so experienced and knowledgeable.”

Brooks has drawn inspiration from younger sister Maddi’s meteoric rise from teenager to Olympic hero, witnessing her play four matches and score a goal in Paris, while her twin Taylor secured Jillaroos selection.

“Maddi has always put in the work and taken every opportunity she can to achieve her dreams,” he said.

“I have been able to admire and be driven by how dedicated and hard she works, and she has a long career ahead of her.”

Brooks will link up with Kookaburras trio Josh and Hayden Beltz, and Jack Welch for the Tigers round one home opener against NSW Pride on Saturday, October 12.

The Tigers have a new coach, former gold medallist Ben Read, someone Brooks has had a long association with as previous club coach at University, as well as several successful underage Tasmanian teams.

“He brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique ability to understand what the team has been trying to achieve, having been a player in the 2019 Hockey One League and an Australian Hockey League winner,” he said.

“I am looking forward to playing a different role in the backline and hope to play at a consistent level throughout the season to ultimately help the Tigers play in the finals series in December.”

The Tigers men returned from playing two practice matches against HC Melbourne over the weekend, with Tassie claiming a pair of victories with keeper Magnus McCausland impressing Melbourne coach Andrew Smith.