Graduates shoot for the stars

N ORTH- WEST Ho ba r t Graduates Hockey Club is aiming to celebrate its 70th anniversary in fine style by creating a piece of Tasmanian hockey history.

After 15 rounds Graduates top both the Premier League and First Grade ladders.

President Justin Bessell believes it can be the first club ever to win all four competitions in the one season.

“Winning any premiership is good for club spirit, so to claim all four of the top competitions in our 70th season would be an outstanding achievement,” Bessell said.

“There’s an extremely positive vibe surrounding the club . . . and I think our supporters are sensing a build-up towards something quite exciting.

“While it’s good to approach the finals with optimism, I’m also extremely mindful of remaining grounded and not letting current ladder positions pre-empt any outcomes. But yes, being the first club to win all four grades would be something I’m sure all of our members would embrace and be incredibly proud of, and justifiably so.”

Graduates has a strong history of producing stars like Eddie Ockenden, Marcus Richardson, Martin Bissett and Julie Podmore, as well as consistent team success and participation.

“There’s no doubt winning a Premier League premiership is a goal that all clubs set but I also like to take a more holistic view of how our success can be measured,” Bessell said.

“Seeing our junior numbers grow again this year is already one of our biggest successes for 2017 and we’re strongly represented in every grade, so I’m just as hopeful to see these teams have success.”

The club is working behind the scenes to share its on-field success with past and present members.

“We have a 70th birthday party locked in for next month, and then of course the main celebration will be our formal presentation dinner on October 14,” Bessell said.