NSW players to feature in the Perth International Festival of Hockey

Hockey Australia today named 7 NSW men’s players in the Kookaburra squad, 6 NSW women’s players in the Hockeyroos squad and an additional 4 NSW women’s players in the Women’s Australia A’s squad for the upcoming Perth International Festival of Hockey throughout April.

The Perth International Festival of Hockey starts this Saturday and continues throughout the month of April, it promises to showcase tough, skilful, and action-packed Hockey. This Festival is also the last chance to see the players on home soil before the upcoming Paris Olympic.

With selection for the Olympics only a few months away, the competition is heating up for spots in both the Hockeyroos and Kookaburra squads. Kookaburras Head Coach Colin Batch said ahead of the Kookaburras five tests in 8 days against India, “We had two incredible games against India at the FIH Pro League in February so we know this will be a massive challenge for us to play them five times.” “We will continue to give players the opportunity throughout the Series, to assess them for our upcoming European Pro League tour.”

Of the 17 NSW Players selected in the respective teams, two players are set to achieve career milestones during the series, Killarney Vale born Matt Dawson is two caps off his 200^th, which is looking likely to be reached on Sunday’s match and Hockeyroos Goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram is only four caps away from celebrating her 100^th cap.

Hockeyroos coach Katrina Powell says upon acknowledging the importance of having test matches in Australia, “We’re excited to play at home and excited for these matches, they’re an important step in our journey to Paris and we’re looking to solidify the good work we started in round one of the Pro League in India.”

NSW’s and Kookaburra Tom Craig and NSW’s and Hockeyroos Grace Stewart were unavailable for selection due to management of injuries and hope to be available for selection ahead of the next FIH European Pro League tour in May.

The Festival will also see Australian development teams compete in what will be a crucial last chance to earn a spot in the Australian Olympic Team.

All matches will be played at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University, with all Hockeyroos and Kookaburras matches streamed LIVE and FREE on 7Plus.

For the full schedule, including Australia A matches, click here.
 

Kookaburras Squad

Hockeyroos Squad

Women's Australia A Squad