FIH Pro League Christchurch - Hockeyroos Preview
Published Thu 20 Apr 2023
The Hockeyroos have trained in Christchurch today as they finalise preparations for the FIH Pro League ‘mini tournament’ starting on Saturday.
The Hockeyroos and Kookaburras attended a Pōwhiri Ceremony (a Māori welcoming ceremony) to officially launch the series, with the action now turning to the pitch as Australia’s national hockey teams take on traditional rivals New Zealand and Great Britain at the Nga Puna Wai Hockey Stadium from 22-30 April.
The Hockeyroos’ eight Pro League matches to date have produced three wins, two shootout wins, two shootout losses and one outright loss.
They now come up against Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand and a Great Britain team comprising many players who played in the England team that defeated the Hockeyroos in last year’s Commonwealth Games gold medal match.
With the Oceania Cup, which doubles as the qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympics, being held between Australia and New Zealand in August, this Pro League series carries added intrigue as a precursor to that major event.
“Olympic qualification is always in the back of minds and playing against New Zealand now is an opportunity to test those waters for when we come back here in August,” said Hockeyroos Head Coach Katrina Powell.
“The Pro League is its own beast and you focus on what’s in front of you, but there’s definitely an eye on the Oceania Cup.”
Seven players have made their Hockeyroos debut this year as Powell uses the FIH Pro League to expose more players to international competition. Five of those seven dubutantes will feature in this series.
“It’s exciting to have some new blood and relatively inexperienced players into the group mixed in with some of our experienced players,” said Powell.
“We have ben experimenting a little bit in the Pro League so far and trying to solidify our team as we go forward, so seeing this group perform here is something I’m looking forward to.”
Hockeyroos midfielder Jane Claxton said the double header on Anzac Day added a special element to the series, something Australia and New Zealand also did in the Pro League back in 2019.
“It’s a huge day that means a lot to a lot of people, especially in Australia and New Zealand. There’s a special connection there and a lot of pride,” said Claxton.
“There are girls in the team whose grandparents were an ANZAC so it’s going to be a really special occasion for both teams.”
The FIH Pro League series in Christchurch will be broadcast in Australia on FOX Sports and Kayo.
Hockeyroos Team for FIH Pro League Christchurch
1.Claire Colwill, 2.Rosie Malone, 4.Amy Lawton, 5.Grace Young, 6.Penny Squibb, 7.Aleisha Power (gk), 10.Maddy Fitzpatrick, 12.Greta Hayes, 13.Hattie Shand, 16.Courtney Schonell, 18.Jane Claxton, 19.Jocelyn Bartram (gk), 21.Renee Taylor, 22.Tatum Stewart, 28.Hannah Cullum-Sanders, 29.Rebecca Greiner, 30.Grace Stewart, 35.Maddison Brooks, 42.Maddison Smith, 44.Abby Wilson
FIH Pro League 2022-23 Season Christchurch - Hockeyroos & Kookaburras Match Schedule
Saturday 22 April - Hockeyroos v Great Britain (Women) 12:10pm AEST (FOX Sport 505)
Sunday 23 April - Kookaburras v Great Britain (Men) 12:10pm AEST (FOX Sport 505)
Tuesday 25 April - New Zealand v Hockeyroos (Women) 12:10pm AEST (FOX Sport 506)
Tuesday 25 April - New Zealand v Kookaburras (Men) 2:40pm AEST (FOX Sport 506)
Friday 28 April - Great Britain v Hockeyroos (Women) 3:10pm AEST (FOX Sport 505)
Saturday 29 April - Great Britain v Kookaburras (Men) 2:40pm AEST (FOX Sport 505)
Sunday 30 April - New Zealand v Kookaburras (Men) 12:10pm AEST (FOX Sport 503)
Sunday 30 April - New Zealand v Hockeyroos (Women) 2:40pm AEST (FOX Sport 507)
