New faces named for Hockeyroos' home FIH Pro League matches

Hockeyroos Head Coach Katrina Powell is keeping the door well and truly open for spots in Australia's national women's team after naming 27 different players for the upcoming FIH Pro League mini tournaments in Sydney and Hobart.

Hockeyroos team for FIH Pro League matches against China and Germany in Sydney (10-15 February)

Local New South Wales duo Madison Smith and goalkeeper Zoe Newman are the new faces in the Hockeyroos team that will feature in the FIH Pro League mini tournament with China and Germany at the Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre from 10-15 February.

The duo were members of the 2022 Women’s National Development Squad, with Smith also part of the NSW Pride team that won the Hockey One League championship last year.

Powell said the duo deserved their chance as she looks to use the global Pro League tournament to expose more players to international hockey against the world’s best nations.

“There are opportunities for players outside of our 22 – which is a small number for a squad – so that’s why across the two Pro League tournaments in Sydney and Hobart we will use 27 athletes,” said Powell.

“Maddy (Smith) played really well in the Hockey One League and also impressed at the selection camp. She has a great range of out-letting skills.”

“Zoe (Newman) has stood out during the camp and we want to invest in a third goalkeeper and make sure we have options in that area.”

“We’re looking forward to seeing them both on the international stage and them taking the opportunities that come their way.”

Hockeyroos Team for FIH Pro League matches in Sydney (10-15 Feb)
Jocelyn Bartram (NSW), Jane Claxton (SA), Claire Colwill (QLD), Madison Fitzpatrick (QLD), Rebecca Greiner (QLD), Stephanie Kershaw (QLD), Amy Lawton (VIC), Rosie Malone (QLD), Zoe Newman (NSW), Kaitlin Nobbs (NSW), Brooke Peris (NT), Courtney Schonell (NSW), Hattie Shand (SA), Maddison Smith (NSW), Penny Squibb (WA), Grace Stewart (NSW), Mariah Williams (NSW), Grace Young (NSW)

Hockeyroos team for FIH Pro League matches against Argentina and the USA in Hobart (28 February - 5 March)

Uncapped Maddison Brooks (pictured above) and Abby Wilson will both make their Hockeyroos debut at the FIH Pro League mini tournament against world number two ranked Argentina and the USA in Hobart.

The occasion will have added significance for Brooks, who will debut in her home state and become the first Tasmanian to play for the Hockeyroos since Amelia Spence in 2015.

“Maddy Brooks is an exciting junior and she more than deserves her opportunity,” said Powell.

“She’s a talented midfielder who likes to go forward and is an exciting prospect for the future.”

“Abby Wilson scored a number of goals in the intra-squad matches during the selection camp and she’s also a drag flicker, so she gives us another option at penalty corners.”

“It has been really pleasing to see the quality of hockey this week and how many players we have to choose from to play for the Hockeyroos.

“We are keeping the door open to firstly make sure we get the best team for the Oceania Cup and secondly that we’re investing in the right players towards Paris.”

Hockeyroos Team for FIH Pro League matches in Hobart (28 Feb - 5 Mar)
Maddison Brooks (TAS), Claire Colwill (QLD), Hannah Cullum-Sanders (QLD), Rebecca Greiner (QLD), Greta Hayes (NSW), Amy Lawton (VIC), Zoe Newman (NSW), Meg Pearce (QLD), Aleisha Power (WA), Hattie Shand (SA), Penny Squibb (WA), Grace Stewart (NSW), Renee Taylor (QLD), Shanea Tonkin (WA), Mariah Williams (NSW), Abby Wilson (NSW), Georgia Wilson (WA), Grace Young (NSW)

Tickets for the FIH Pro League 'mini tournaments' in Sydney and Hobart are available now through Ticketek.