Squad Announcement: Hockeyroos primed & ready to headline FIH Pro League’s return to Sydney

The Hockeyroos are eager to get 2025 off to a winning start, naming an energetic squad mixed with experience and in-form new talent for the FIH Pro League’s return to Sydney for the first time in two years.

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 Three debutants and four returning Hockeyroos join 11 Olympians in the lineup five months after the Paris Olympic Games, as they prepare to face China in a hotly-contested rematch of the Paris Olympic quarterfinal, and eighth-ranked Spain.  
 
“We’re excited to get back into competition, our focus is now on a new Olympic cycle and we’re at the start of it ahead of the LA Olympic Games,” Head Coach Katrina Powell said.
 
“It’s great to be able to test ourselves first up against the Paris Olympic silver medallists China. They’re obviously a good team and they went on from beating us to win a medal in the Olympic final. I would say the pressure is on them now they’re the silver medallists.”
 
Queensland’s Jade Smith and Morgan Mathison and Lexie Pickering are all in line to make their debut for Australia, after standout performances in the Liberty Hockey One League three months ago.
 
It’s a dream home debut in green and gold for Lexie, who grew up playing junior hockey in New South Wales.
 
“I’ve thought about my debut in Sydney a lot. I think about putting on the jersey with my name on the back and running out for the first time and it's going to be amazing,” Lexie said.
 
“I grew up playing on the grass in Minkey in NSW, and it was a family affair. We’d go down every Saturday together and my dad had his own little hockey shop he’d set up and then we’d just spend the whole day there running around and playing.
 
“Ever since it’s been a whole lot of hard work and ups and downs, and now it just feels surreal and I’m so happy to be here.”
 
Lexie will combine with returning Hockeyroo Courtney Schonell at the highest level after they proved to be an unstoppable force in the Perth Thundersticks attack during the side’s maiden Liberty Hockey One League title win.
 
In a remarkable story of resilience and perseverance, the New South Wales striker returns to the international stage after recovering from a major knee injury, which cut her Olympic dream short in 2024.
 
“I think it’s been over 16 months now since I played my last international game,” Courtney recalled.
 
“It’s certainly been a long rehab, but I’ve learned so much from it, both on and off the field. It’s taught me mental resilience, how to be stronger and how to come back from adversity and everything that goes with that, which I wouldn’t have got otherwise.
 
“I guess it’s been a blessing in disguise, and it’s nice to now be able to say I’m super thankful for it and I believe I’ve become a better person for it.
 
“It still feels surreal to be back and to be about to run back out for the Hockeyroos in my home state New South Wales, I’m really excited for it.”
 
“Courtney is a really talented striker, and we’re very keen to have her and her goal-scoring prowess back. She loves to hit a goal, and I love that,” Katrina added.
 
“Lexie and Courtney showcased the type of play that we strive for in the Hockeyroos. It’s important we not only have a great group of hockey players but they combine and get the job done together.
 
“How they combined for the Perth Thundersticks made it easier to envision what they can do for the Hockeyroos.”
 
Courtney completes the New South Wales quartet of Maddi Smith, Alana Kavanagh and Abby Wilson returning to international competition for the Hockeyroos at home in Sydney.
 
The Hockeyroos begin their campaign in Sydney against Spain on 5 February before taking on China on 6 February. The Hockeyroos will face both teams twice.

HOCKEYROOS 2025 FIH PRO LEAGUE - SYDNEY SQUAD

*Alice Arnott was unavailable for selection due to injury

Check out the full 2024/25 Hockeyroos FIH Pro League Schedule here