Hockey Australia announces latest Hall of Fame inductees

Two members of the Hockeyroos golden generation, a trio of exceptional players to represent the Kookaburras and two highly decorated umpires are the newest additions to the Hockey Australia Hall of Fame.

Alison Peek, Rachel Dwyer (née Imison), Lachlan Dreher, Daniel Sproule and David Wansbrough have been recognised for their achievements and excellence on the international playing field.

Peri Buckley and Dennis Meredith were both inducted into the General Category for their illustrious umpiring careers.

“Hockey in Australia is blessed to have had a plethora of elite world class players and umpires who were not only exceptional talents on the pitch, but also outstanding ambassadors for our sport,” said Hockey Australia President Ross Sudano.

“On behalf of the HA Board, I want to thank the Hockey Australia Hall of Fame Committee, led by Chair Richard Aggiss, for their worthy nominations as we continue to acknowledge and grow the list of inductees who have exceled at the highest level.”

“Congratulations to each of the inductees. We look forward to celebrating them in a fitting way at organised events throughout the year.”

Aggiss, who is a former Australian player and coach, continues to be a passionate and dedicated advocate of ensuring those who have made a telling impact on Australian hockey on the world stage and significantly enhanced the image of the sport are recognised.

“The Hockey Australia Awards Committee sets the bar extremely high for inclusion into the Hall of Fame,” said Aggiss.

“These Hall of Fame inductees are the superstars of our sport. They each brought that sense of magic, they could change a game, make things happen. All five of the athlete inductees fit into that category, while Peri and Dennis were tremendous umpires.”

The latest addition of inductees takes the total number in the Hockey Australia Hall of Fame to 87 since its inception in 2008.

The Hall of Fame sits among the inventory of Hockey Australia Awards that includes Life Members, Award of Merit, Award of Distinction and Legends.

HOCKEY AUSTRALIA HALL OF FAME - 2022 INDUCTEES
Athlete Category
Lachlan Dreher (VIC)
One of Australia's longest serving hockey players in career that spanned 14 years (1989-2002), Lachlan was the 286th men’s player capped for Australia. The gifted goalkeeper represented the Kookaburras 162 times, which included three Olympic Games, three World Cups (1990, 1998, 2002) and a staggering 12 Champions Trophies. His medal cabinet comprises an Olympic silver and two bronze medals, World Cup silver and bronze medals, as well as four gold, four silver and one bronze Champions Trophy medals.

Rachel Dwyer (née Imison) OAM (VIC)
Rachel debuted in 1997 against New Zealand, the country of her birth. 207 international matches later, the goalkeeper was an Olympic gold medallist, triple Olympian, three-time Champions Trophy winner and dual Commonwealth Games gold medallist, among other accolades. Her standout tournament was arguably the Sydney 2000 Olympics, where she was a wall on the last line of defence as the Hockeyroos conceded just five goals in eight games on their way to gold. Her on field performances and off field demeanour and professionalism has made her a role model for many aspiring Australian goalkeepers.

Alison Peek OAM (SA)
One of the Hockeyroos golden generation, the midfielder was a constant star performer throughout the team’s successful and dominant period of the 1990’s. A dual Olympian, she was a member of the team that won gold at Sydney 2000. ‘Peeky’ is also a two-time World Cup winner and won four Champions Trophies over her decorated 222 game and 7 goal international career. She was named in the Australian Women's ‘Team of the Century’ in 2013.

Daniel Sproule (TAS)
Daniel’s elite hockey skills were evident when he was selected in the Australian Under 21 squad at the age of 18. Making his Kookaburras debut at the 1994 Champions Trophy, the defender went on to play 188 internationals (scoring 6 goals), his speed, defensive ability and passing making him a valuable piece of the Kookaburras setup. He won two Olympic bronze medals (1996, 2000), Commonwealth Games gold in 1998 and one Champions Trophy title. He retired from international hockey after the Kookaburras’ silver medal 2002 World Cup campaign.

David Wansbrough OAM (VIC)
A skilful midfielder, David competed at two Olympic Games (1988, 1992). He was an integral member of both Olympic teams, with the Barcelona Olympics the standout as he scored a hat-trick in the Kookaburras’ opening match against Argentina before the team went on to win a silver medal. David also played in 10 Champions Trophies winning the gold medal on four occasions and being named Player of the Tournament in 1997. Vice-captain of the Kookaburras from 1991-93, David ended his international playing career after 202 appearances and 34 goals. He received an Order of Australia Medal in 2015 for service to hockey and remains a highly respected figure in Australian hockey.

General Category
Peri Buckley (TAS)
Umpiring her first international in 1986, Peri went on to officiate in a further 162 international matches. She umpired in three Olympic Games, which included the gold medal match at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, three World Cups, a Commonwealth Games, three Champions Trophies and two Junior World Cups. She reached the coveted 100 match milestone at the 1996 Olympic Games.

Dennis Meredith AM (SA)
Capped for Australia’s Men’s National Hockey Team as a player in 1967, Dennis moved into umpiring where he excelled. In a record unlikely to be repeated, Dennis umpired in 15 consecutive National Championships, umpiring every Final between 1973-1987. Such was his expertise Dennis was awarded his International Badge in 1973 before being elevated to the Olympic Games and World Cup list in 1979. He was selected for the Moscow Olympic Games but due to the boycott was denied the opportunity. He would go on to officiate at the Los Angeles Games in 1984. All up, Dennis umpired in 88 internationals from 1973-1992.