Star-studded Hockeyroos and Kookaburras to headline Perth International Festival of Hockey

The Hockeyroos and Kookaburras couldn’t be more ready for their pre-Olympic home send-off, as both coaches boast near-full-strength squads to select from ahead of a mammoth festival of hockey throughout April.

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With selection for the Olympics only a few months away, the heat is on the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras to deliver results, with consistent personal performances, against some of the world’s top competition.

Despite having won seven matches out of eight so far in 2024, Kookaburras coach Colin Batch is sending a strong message to his side, as they face five Test matches in 8 days against rivals India, starting this Saturday.

“We had two incredible games against India at the FIH Pro League in February so we know this will be a massive challenge for us to play them five times.”

“We will continue to give players the opportunity throughout the Series, to assess them for our upcoming European Pro League tour.”

Adding to the occasion, five Hockeyroos and Kookaburras are in line to reach major milestones in what will be the last chance for family, friends and fans to see their Olympic heroes in action on home soil before the July Olympics.

It couldn’t be more fitting for WA’s Aran Zalewski, who is set to bring up his 250th cap for Australia in the opening match against India on Saturday 6, just three hours from his hometown Margaret River.

NSW’s Matt Dawson could then bring up his 200th cap in the following game on Sunday 7. While Tom Wickham is in line to reach 100 caps for Australia later in the 5-match Test series.

In the Hockeyroos camp, it’s welcome news for Hockeyroos coach Katrina Powell as WA goalkeeper Aleisha Power and NT’s Brooke Peris return from injury, ready for competition, as they prepare for a tough international series against China, Japan and a solid Australia A outfit.

It’s a timely recovery for Darwin’s Peris, who missed out on travelling to India for the first leg of the FIH Pro League in February while she managed an injury but is now in line to achieve a major milestone, her 200th, on home soil.

“It’s so exciting to be back,” Peris said before training.

“All my milestones I’ve been playing overseas so it’s exciting this milestone will be in Australia, Perth and this is where I debuted! So it’s an all-round achievement and I’m really looking forward to it.”

“I can’t believe it’s gone this fast, 200 hasn’t really sunk in yet. It’s been a 10-year journey and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it.”

Hockeyroos coach Katrina Powell says it’s very exciting to have her back in the group.

“We’re really looking forward to celebrating her 200th game for the Hockeyroos which is a massive feat. Brooke’s been a stable member of the team for a number of years now and we’re celebrating bringing her experience back into the group.”

Acknowledging the importance of having Test matches in Australia, Powell says it’s a crucial milestone in her side’s Olympic journey.

“We’re excited to play at home and excited for these matches, they’re an important step in our journey to Paris and we’re looking to solidify the good work we started in round one of the Pro League in India.”

Later in the Hockeyroos series, Albury’s Jocelyn Bartram is also in line to celebrate her 100th cap.

Unavailable for selection were Kookaburras Tom Craig and Tim Howard and Hockeyroos Penny Squibb and Grace and Tatum Stewart, all are managing injuries and hope to be available to be considered for selection ahead of the next FIH Pro League tour in Europe in May.

The Festival will also see Australian development teams compete in what will be a crucial last chance to earn a spot in the Australian Olympic Team.

All matches will be played at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University.

Kookaburras Squad

Hockeyroos Squad

Australia A (Women's) Squad