Golden chance for ‘strongest Tigers team yet’

THE Tassie Tigers have named arguably their best side yet for this month’s Australian Hockey League and a former star believes it may even be the strongest squad assembled.

Coach Glenn Freeman famously led the Tigers to the 2014 AHL title and the 2017 edition is arguably stronger with Perth-based Kookaburras goalkeeper Tristan Clemons returning to the fold.

University playing coach Paul Ancher was a key part of the famous 2014 gold medalwinning side and says the sky is the limit for this year’s edition.

“I would say that this group is as strong as the gold medal group and should be setting their sights high,” Ancher said.

“They shouldn’t play with any extra pressure, they’re good enough and, in fact, this is the strongest Tigers team I’ve seen since the 2006 silver medal side.”

The team features 11 players currently or recently involved in Hockey Australia squad’s and debutants Linden McCarthy and Sam McCulloch.

Eddie Ockenden will lead the side, alongside national teammates Jeremy Edwards, Josh Beltz and Clemons, as well as former Kookaburra Tim Deavin. The skipper will form a formidable forward line alongside Jack Welch, Kurt Mackey, James Dick, Hayden Beltz and Kieron Arthur.

“The addition of Clemons is a big boost for the group. Tasmania has always been strong in the goalkeeper department and with Jayden Pearson in career-best form, the net will be well guarded,” Ancher said.

In announcing the squad, Freeman recognised the strong Premier League competition for improving the Tigers’ playing depth and singled out returning defender Jai Walker-Kidd for praise.

“Jai comes back into the group after a good season with his club and has been one of the leading goal scorers in the competitions,” he said.

“We are under no illusion that the competition will be tough, as it is every year.”

The Van Demons have also named a squad packed with Premier League stars including first-timers Merinda Sainty, Catherine Webster and Molly Haas. Coached by Ilene Carr, they also have South African international Tanya Britz, who has recently plied her trade in Perth and the Netherlands.

The AHL is in Perth from September 28 to October 8.