Hockeyroos teams selected for upcoming internationals

‘Show us what you can do.’ That is the message from Hockeyroos Head Coach Katrina Powell following the announcement of the players selected for the Hockeyroos’ next lot of international matches.

A total of 37 athletes have been named across three different series over the next two months, headlined by the FIH Pro League 'mini tournament’ against New Zealand and Great Britain in Christchurch from 22-30 April 2023.

The other internationals include a 3-match test series against India in Adelaide in May followed by two matches between an Australia A team and India.

The squad for the FIH Pro League series in Christchurch comprises a core of the 2023 Hockeyroos squad with the additions of Maddison Brooks, Maddison Smith and Abby Wilson.

Another two players are then set to make their Hockeyroos debuts with Alice Arnott (NSW) and Pippa Morgan (WA) named in the team for the 3-match series against India.

The Hockeyroos have already played 11 internationals in the first three months of this year. Powell said the opportunities to see more players in action and increase those exposed to hockey at the highest level has had significant benefits.

“It broadens the group from which we can select, it broadens our depth, and it also allows these players to take back to their Daily Training Environments an understanding of the intensity and level that you need to get to,” said Powell.

“They also know the expectations and way of play that we’re asking for, so it’s invaluable all the way through and shows that there is really good depth in Australian women’s hockey at the moment.”

With the Oceania Cup, which doubles as the qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympics, taking place in August, Powell said selection for that team would heat up from here on in.

“There is competition for places, so it’s important to keep showing up and playing well because at the moment one activity is leading into selection for the next activity as we get closer to the Oceania Cup,” said Powell.

“It puts more and more pressure on the athletes to perform which is what we want to see because there will be a lot of pressure at the Oceania Cup and also obviously at the Olympics next year.”

The Australia A team to take on India boasts several of Australia’s up and coming women’s hockey talent, including Josie Lawton (younger sister of Hockeyroo Amy) and Alana Kavanagh who was named Player of the Tournament at the recent Australian U21 Championships in Sydney.

“The Australia A team is predominantly our National Development Squad, with many athletes getting an opportunity to play in this team after being part of the national selection camp at the start of the year,” said Powell.

“It will be a great opportunity for them to show what they can do against a world class team. A chance for us to see the full depth of hockey talent within Australia as there are many pushing for Hockeyroos selection.”

While Powell is utilising India’s visit to Adelaide to give players on the fringe a chance to play against a team in the top eight on the world rankings, she said the number of players in contention for the Oceania Cup would start to be narrowed down.

“While there has been plenty of opportunities this year, we are going to start reducing the pool of players from who we believe the team for the Olympic qualifiers will come from,” said Powell.

“This is the time to put your hand up and show what you can do if you want to be part of the Oceania Cup squad which is the major tournament for this year.”

The Hockeyroos squad for the FIH Pro League series in Christchurch is scheduled to depart for New Zealand on 18 April.

Hockeyroos squad - FIH Pro League 2022-23 Season Christchurch (22-30 April 2023)

Hockeyroos Team for 3-match series against India in Adelaide (18, 20, 21 May 2023)
Alice Arnott (NSW), Jocelyn Bartram (NSW), Maddison Brooks (TAS), Jane Claxton (SA), Morgan Gallagher (QLD), Greta Hayes (NSW), Pippa Morgan (WA), Zoe Newman (NSW), Meg Pearce (QLD), Courtney Schonell (NSW), Hattie Shand (SA), Maddison Smith (NSW), Karri Somerville (WA), Grace Stewart (NSW), Tatum Stewart (QLD), Shanea Tonkin (WA), Abby Wilson (NSW), Georgia Wilson (WA)

Australia A Team for matches against India in Adelaide (25, 27 May 2023)
Alice Arnott (NSW), Maddison Brooks (TAS), Olivia Downes (VIC), Rachel Frusher (WA), Morgan Gallagher (QLD), Rene Hunter (NSW), Carly James (VIC), Alana Kavanagh (NSW), Josie Lawton (VIC), Line Malan (WA), Pippa Morgan (WA), Zoe Newman (NSW), Meg Pearce (QLD), Maddison Smith (NSW), Shanea Tonkin (WA), Aisling Utri (VIC), Abby Wilson (NSW), Georgia Wilson (WA)

FIH Pro League 2022-23 Season Christchurch - Hockeyroos & Kookaburras Match Schedule
Saturday 22 April - Hockeyroos v Great Britain (Women) 12:10pm AEST
Sunday 23 April - Kookaburras v Great Britain (Men) 12:10pm AEST
Tuesday 25 April - New Zealand v Hockeyroos (Women) 12:10pm AEST
Tuesday 25 April - New Zealand v Kookaburras (Men) 2:40pm AEST
Friday 28 April - Great Britain v Hockeyroos (Women) 3:10pm AEST
Saturday 29 April - Great Britain v Kookaburras (Men) 2:40pm AEST
Sunday 30 April - New Zealand v Kookaburras (Men) 12:10pm AEST
Sunday 30 April - New Zealand v Hockeyroos (Women) 2:40pm AEST

Full FIH Pro League 2022-23 Match Schedule