Hometown hopes high for Masters

TASMANIA’S Masters hockey players are hoping a strong home crowd will help them to a swag of medals at the Australian Men’s Masters Championships, starting today.

More than 90 teams from across Australia will compete in at least 300 matches in age groups ranging from over 35 to over 75.

The hosts’ over-35 team is packed with talent and is a red hot favourite to claim the gold medal, with a list that includes Luke Doerner, Marcus Richardson, Josh Corney, Tim Stevens and Josh Poke.

Playing-coach Michael Park is confident his side can replicate their back-to-back gold medal success of the 2012 and 2013 championships.

“I honestly believe this is the strongest over-35 team Tasmania has put on the park in recent years,” Park said.

“We have over 50 per cent of our team who have played in the Australian Hockey League with the Tassie Tigers and we have good depth across all positions.”

The home side opens the 16-day event against a strong Victorian side at 6pm tonight.

“We are all great mates and have played on and off together for 20 years. So, I think we will jell quickly and play an attacking and aggressive style of hockey. Our first two games will be crucial and we will do our homework on some recognisable players.”

Tasmania’s over-40 team is also a strong chance.

The championships run until October 7, with Tasmania fielding 10 teams.