Full Squad Announcement: Goal-scoring prowess and versatility make up Hager’s final seven

The final seven spots in the Kookaburras 2025 Squad have been decided, with Head Coach Mark Hager and selectors announcing a versatile mix of exceptional talent with an eye to the 2026 World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Two strikers, three midfielders, a defender, and a goalkeeper complete the 24-man squad, which will contest the final stages of the FIH Pro League in Europe in June and the Oceania Cup in Darwin in September.

“While it was challenging to pick the final seven, it’s been incredibly exciting to witness the depth we do have within our squads and this selection highlights the quality of that depth,” Mark said.

Hager and selectors picked the final seven after reviewing performances at the recent FIH Pro League stages in Sydney and Argentina, which featured dominant victories over world number one and two sides, the Netherlands and Belgium.

Among them is the powerhouse WA trio of Tom Harvie, James Collins and Cambell Geddes.

Cam Geddes broke onto the international scene over just four matches following his debut in Argentina, cementing his name as one of the most exciting young midfield talents, scoring in just his second match for the Kookaburras.

“Cam breaks lines, he has very quick hands, rapid leg speed and good passing range. He has shown he can stay with players and not get beaten one-on-one too often and that he can score goals out of nothing, even though he’s probably been a defender in his past life,” Mark enthused.

“Credit to the selectors for seeing my potential in the midfield, I wouldn’t have picked it coming into the Kookaburras, especially for my debut and the four-game series in Argentina,” Cam admitted.

“All throughout juniors, I played fullback, free defender or halfback. I played a little bit of midfield through the club, but as a young junior, I didn’t want to put too much pressure on myself in that position.

“I just went out there in Argentina trying to enjoy it and embrace it and go, "No, I'm up for it," and try to smile through everything that I'm doing on the field, and that helped… A lot of hard work has led to this and it was pretty cool seeing my name on the selection email.”

Defender Tom Harvie capitalised on his late call-up to the Argentina squad following a good showing in Sydney and will join his brother, co-captain Jake Harvie, in the side. The Harvies join Tassie brothers Joshua and Hayden Beltz as the second brother duo in the group.

“It was more relief than anything! It’s been a long couple of years, so when the news finally came
through, it was just an overwhelming feeling of relief once it was finally here,” Tom said.

“Waiting for the selection email came around slowly… I was with Jake at the time and my email wasn’t loading so he had to open it for me and I actually think he was more nervous than I was!

“I’ve opened a fair few negative emails so to finally get a positive one was pretty overwhelming and I’m just very stoked.”

James Collins and New South Wales’s Nathan Czinner will provide extra versatility and firepower through the middle as midfielders or outside halves.

Queensland’s Joel Rintala has solidified his return to the squad following a rollercoaster career, which has seen one of the goal-scoring stars of the game unavailable for selection for the FIH Pro League in Sydney and Argentina this year due to injury.

“Joel had a chance to impress when we played some unsanctioned matches in Perth,” Mark added.

“He showed glimpses of his true talent, and he brings the specialty of the drag flick as well, with a great goal-scoring sense. He’s fantastic around the group, and he’s on track to be back fully training in a couple of weeks, which should give him a great build-up ahead of Europe selection in May.”

Another drag-flicking addition is Tassie striker Jack Welch, who is in line to bring up 50 caps for Australia after re-earning a full-time position in the squad. Jack scored two goals at the penalty corner in Argentina.

NSW goalkeeper Ash Thomas has risen up the goalkeeping ranks to claim the second position after communicating well and making vital saves in his showing in Argentina.

“There are some really good athletes who unfortunately missed selection this time, but I know they have really good grit and if called upon I know they’ll continue to step up and show what they’ve got,” Mark said.

The Kookaburras continue their FIH Pro League title defence in June when they tour Europe and take on India, Ireland, England and Germany.

All Kookaburras and Hockeyroos matches, including all FIH Pro League stages both home and abroad, are available to watch LIVE and free on 7plus.