Introducing Australian Indoor hockey’s new coaching team

They are the group who have been assigned to take Australian Indoor hockey forward and to the next level.

Troy Rossiter
A former Women’s National Assistant Coach, Troy has not only spent time working in the National Indoor Program but also represented Australia on the court for numerous years. He brings a wealth of wisdom and experience.

Nathan Dart
The Tasmanian brings a fresh set of knowledge to the Indoor Coaching team. Having toured to New Zealand with the Australian Men’s Indoor team last year, Nathan will be a vital asset to the National Indoor Program.

Brett Herrington
Brett has held several coaching roles with Queensland Men’s Indoor teams and has won several national titles. His calculated and measured approach will complement the wider coaching team.

Emma McLeish
After a successful Indoor World Cup in 2023 as one of Australia’s key players, Emma has swapped the boots for the coaching whiteboard. Hailing from New South Wales, Emma will bring current and relevant knowledge to the Indoor Program.

Lauren Austin
Lauren is the current Head of Indoor Hockey High Performance in Western Australia. She has a wealth of knowledge after many years representing Australia on the court, as well as coaching several successful WA Indoor teams.

Following the announcement of the new national Indoor coaching structure, the quintet each gave their thoughts and vision on the direction they want to help steer Australia’s national Indoor hockey teams in.

What part of this new coaching structure are you most looking forward to?

Lauren Austin (LA): “This structure will allow us to grow as an off field team and learn from each other as all coaches show different experiences and expertise. It will be exciting to see what each coach can bring to the table and even more exciting to think of what we can achieve together.”

Troy Rossiter (TR): “This should provide an enhanced collaboration between coaches at all levels. The integration of ideas and strategies from different coaching backgrounds and experiences can not only benefit our players but also us as coaches and leaders. It's going to create a dynamic and innovative environment that will help us stay at the forefront of international indoor hockey. I'm particularly looking forward to preparing our players for another World Cup and the exciting opportunities that creates for all our players and future players with their development.”

Emma McLeish (EM): “I am most looking forward to being provided the opportunity to give back to the sport and mentor future athletes.”

Brett Herrington (BH): “The fact the new structure is more aligned with our Field Hockey Coaching pathways will greatly assist in a more collaborative approach to developing our coaches and our next generation of athletes.”

Nathan Dart (ND): “Under the new structure the scope for wider development within indoor will be improved crucially for athletes but also that of the coaching staff and aspiring coaches. Incorporating a specific U21’s/U18’s coach to the structure ensures higher growth and development of our next generation players and the future of the national indoor program.”

What ambitions and expectations do you have for Australian Indoor Hockey over the next four years?

LA: “I would love to see more interest in players across the country enjoying the game and bridging the gap between our success in outdoor and indoor. Working towards an environment where there is equal interest in indoor and outdoor hockey.”

TR: “With Hockey Australia’s renewed pathway and forward-thinking approach, in four years I envision us as a dominant force on the international indoor hockey stage. Our goal should be to consistently compete at the highest level in major competitions like the Indoor Hockey World Cup. To achieve this, we must continue to invest in talent development, coaching excellence, and infrastructure while fostering a culture of unity and innovation within our indoor hockey community.”

EM: “Realistically, Indoor Hockey in Australia should be striving for top four positions at the World Cup.”

BH: “Australian Indoor hockey should be in a position where we are competing for medals on the world stage. I am excited to develop our athletes to be in a position where we can benefit from both outdoor and indoor programs for hockey in Australia.”

ND: “I would like to see Australian indoor cement and formulate a style and structure unique to us, an approach which allows us to be competitive with the refined and patient styles of our European opposition whilst incorporating the flair and speed that Australian hockey is known for around the world.”

The national squads will be selected from January’s Australian Indoor Championships with an eye to the 2024 Indoor Hockey World Cup. What will be the key to preparation and success?

LA: “Commitment, enjoyment, creativity and comradery. I think playing a brand of indoor hockey where we are all on the same page and loving what we do will help the team best prepare for what lies ahead.”

TR: “With the 2025 World Cup on the horizon, the program is set to be both thrilling and packed with activity. The fundamental key lies in the team's culture. This culture emanates from the team's overarching objectives, values and attitudes, shaping how team members communicate, collaborate, and ultimately perform. A thriving team culture, recognised by everyone, fosters growth, success and enjoyment. Our physical and tactical preparation will be paramount. We must ensure that our players are in peak physical condition, which means rigorous training regimens. We will need to work on our tactical awareness and strategy, both offensively and defensively. This involves analysing our opponents, refining our current playing style, and constantly adapting to different styles and game situations. Lastly, our mental toughness will play a significant role in our success. We must prepare our players to handle the pressures of a high-stakes tournament. Together, we can make 2024-2025 a defining period for Australian Indoor Hockey.”

EM: “With a short turn around between selection and World Cup one of the keys to assist with preparation will be clear communication between HA, off field staff and athletes. Getting together as a group soon after the squads have been announced to communicate what the next 12 months will look like is important as it will put everyone on the same page from the beginning of the journey.”

BH: “A physical and tailored training program where our state coaches across the country can be involved for all our athletes. Being spread across the country, an inclusive environment will be vital to our preparation.”

ND: “The Indoor nationals are an excellent platform to identify athletes due to the far-ranging and different structures and tactics delivered by each of the states. This gives athletes the opportunity to showcase their discipline and skill sets specific to each of their own teams, but just as importantly, their ability to adapt and prove their versatility against different opponents. I believe these are key attributes for selection and will be fundamental for World Cup positions.”