‘Hockey has done so much for me’ Brooke Peris joins Claxton, Taylor in international retirement

The Hockeyroos are bidding goodbye to three star players, with co-captain Brooke Peris joining her fellow co-captain Jane Claxton and defender Renee Taylor in announcing their retirement from international hockey.
 
Born and raised in the Northern Territory, Brooke notched an impressive 214 caps for the Hockeyroos in a career that spanned 11 years since her debut against South Korea in Perth in 2013, becoming Hockeyroo number 466.
 
A three-time Olympian for Australia, Brooke conceded she knew the Paris 2024 Olympic Games would be her last big hurrah.
 
“My heart is going in a different direction, and I've got to follow my heart and start a new chapter,” Brooke said.
 
“I've loved the last two years of my life in the program especially. I think I just want to cherish all the good memories that I have.  I'm content with my decision because I've achieved what I wanted to achieve- it's time and a great opportunity now for the next generation to come through.”
 
A double Champions Trophy gold medallist, Commonwealth Games Gold and Silver medallist and 2014 Northern Territory Sportsperson of the Year, Brooke has undoubtedly left an impression on the field. In April this year, she celebrated her 200th Test at the Perth International Festival of Hockey.
 
“Reaching my 200th game was something I’m pretty proud of. I didn't think I would have achieved that because there are moments where you’re in professional sport and you're just like, ‘Oh man this is tough’. But I just stayed in it and kept being resilient and true to myself.”
 
That resilience also led to Brooke achieving an incredible legacy off the field, as she inspired the program to be more inclusive, particularly as they embraced her Indigenous heritage.
 
“One of the things I'm most proud of is when we launched our Indigenous uniform,” Brooke reflects.
 
“It is so important in our sport to show that we are one nation and that we have a history,a rich history, of Indigenous culture. It’s really embedded within our sport, and in our schools now. With our uniform and the programs and engagements we have within regional and remote communities it really helps more girls like me, who never thought my dream could happen, know that it really can.
 
“There are so many girls I know, in Darwin especially, who, if and when they do make it in to the national program will feel so comfortable given their culture is seen.
 
“Sport isn’t just about a game, it has the ability to show you who you are on the inside and the ability to be proud of thaton the world stage too. Hockey has done so much for me in giving me the platform to do just that. It's something that I never wanted to take for granted and something that I will forever be grateful for.
 
“I just can't wait to see who gets to wear my number and to see how deadly this sister girl's going to be!”
 
Brooke joins her fellow co-captain Jane Claxton and Renee Taylor, who also announced their retirement from the international game after incredible careers.
 
Jane’s final match with the Hockeyroos in the quarter-final of her third Olympic Games, against China in Paris also marked her 250th appearance for Australia.
 
Jane finishes her career as the eighth most capped Hockeyroo of all time, in between Hockeyroos Coach, Katrina Powell and Jodie Kenny.

Not only did Jane achieve great things on the pitch, she has also built a successful career away from it as well. During her playing time, Jane studied to be an Occupational Therapist at Curtain University and went on to work in this field four days a week alongside her career as a Hockeyroo.

In becoming the inaugural Hockeyroos’ Players’ Player in 2023, after earning the highest amount of votes from her teammates they reflected:

“Fearless leader, celebrates the little things constantly, always fighting hard to beat her opponent both with skill, physicality and her determination. Her desire to win energises the group around her, whether its playing for Australia or for her Roos mini games team. Jane has assisted, inspired and positively challenged others both on and off the field this year, showing her desire to help those around her grow to help the team be the best it can be.”

“Leads by example on and off the field, displays Hockeyroos values, approachable, advocates for the players. Someone you want on your team every single time, leaves everything out on the field. Gives 100%”
 
Renee enjoyed an eight-year strong career following her debut in 2015 against China before she finished up as a double Olympian at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
 
Renee notched 139 caps for her country, representing Australia at two Commonwealth Games, including in 2018 on the Gold Coast and 2022 in Birmingham, and returning home with a silver medal from both.
 
Known for her technical ability and game awareness, Renee was a key member of the Hockeyroos Bronze medal-winning 2022 World Cup campaign too, all while pursuing a Double Degree in Law and Commerce, majoring in Accounting at QUT and Curtin University.
 
Like her great friend and fellow retiring Hockeyroo, Jane Claxton, Renee is real world example of how athletes can successfully blend their hockey and professional careers.