Women go for glory
Graduates red-hot favourites for flag
THE women’s hockey Premier League threw up its very own Cinderella stories and controversy last year — and the 2018 edition shapes as being the most interesting in its history.
North-West Graduates lifted the cup on the back of Argentinian import Sofi Viarengo’s sensational grand final hat-trick, while University enjoyed a fairytale return to finals hockey under coach of the year Vanessa McDonald.
Elsewhere goal machine Molly Haas requested a transfer from OHA to Derwent mid-season, while Canterbury sensationally dumped star forward Grace Calvert on the cusp of finals.
Calvert will face her former club after joining the defending champions, while two former OHA stars have returned and are chasing an immediate climb from wooden spooners to flag contenders.
NORTH-WEST GRADUATES Last season: Premier. Coaches: Simon Arthur, Rod Clifford, Chris Hazelwood. Player to watch: Louisa Jacobson. Stars: Sofi Viarengo, Annie Scutt, Ash Arthur. In: Anne Woolford, Grace Calvert, Raeleigh Phillips. Out: Emily Newbold, Heidi White.
Coach says: We will need to learn quickly, with new players, and improve our ability to control possession, run hard, chase, tackle and harass our opponents.
Adam says: Back-to-back premierships coupled with new additions, including two overseas imports, you would have to be a mug not to recognise Graduates as heavy premiership favourites. Though much will now rest on the shoulders of Jacobson to rebound defensively, as the loss of Premier League best and fairest Newbold is huge.
DIAMONDBACKS Last season: Runner-up. Coach: Sarah Birch. Player to watch: Phillida Bridley.
Stars: Nicole Geeves, Emily Donovan, Georgia Williams.
In: Nan Thomas, Laura Zapotocky.
Out: Ruby-Rose Haywood, Pippa Lewis, Isabel Goldsmith.
Coach says: While we didn’t take home the premiership in 2017, the team achieved much and went from strength to strength. This year, we will be introducing some promising juniors with a view to building for the future. We will be aiming to increase our efficiency rate in the circle through key striker Bridley and continue to work on controlling the game for longer periods.
Adam says: Have appeared to struggle for player numbers on the training track in comparison with other sides, but with Geeves and Donovan they will be ultra-competitive. A skilful overseas import may be just the tonic for them to return in September.
CANTERBURY Last season: Third. Coach: Dan Mills. Player to watch: Maddy Curtis.
Stars: Josie Crowden, Christie Lucas, Kacee Ponting.
In: Jemma Kenworthy, Issy Sharman, Lisa Jotic, Hannah Richardson.
Out: Grace Calvert, Issy O’Conor, Molly Rasmassen, Camille O’Conor.
Coach says: We have retained our young core from last year’s squad plus added some exciting new signings and brought back some more experienced players. I would expect to see us continue to develop as a group and be highly competitive again come finals time.
Adam says: Mills had plenty to deal with off-field last season and will relish sharpening the on-field structures this time. The potential return mid-season of Hannah Richardson could propel them back into a serious finals campaign, but player losses are significant.
UNIVERSITY Last season: Fourth. Coach: Vanessa McDonald. Player to watch: Sanchia Bingham.
Stars: Alex Irwin, Maddy Hinton, Merinda Sainty.
In: Shona Manning, Claire Devin, Abbey Walker, Molly Lewis, Jas Allnutt, Caitlin French. Out: Katherine Podmore.
Coach says: We made the finals for the first time in a very long time; this has made the group incredibly hungry for more and with the addition of our new recruits we hope to reap the rewards from the hard work that has been put in over the pre-season. We had peaks and troughs in 2017 and will be striving for better consistency at a higher level in 2018.
Adam says: Were the story for 2017 before they fell in a dramatic penalty shootout in the semi-finals. Their success has attracted new recruits and the dream of a grand final appearance is well and truly alive.
DERWENT Last season: Fifth. Coach: Torin Bester. Player to watch: Lucy Eade. Stars: Jess Tremayne, Eliza Westland, Molly Haas. In: Jana van Bladeren. Out: Connie Vickers, Sophie Nichols. Coach says: Last year was a great chance to give some of our juniors extended Premier League minutes. We are a very youthful side with a good mix of experience and finals are definitely on our minds.
Adam says: The Strikers are on an upward trajectory with a plethora of state underage representatives establishing themselves at senior level, supported by Westland and Haas. The Strikers can beat anyone provided they take their attacking chances.
OHA Last season: Sixth. Coach: Sarah McCambridge, Sam McCambridge. Player to watch: Julia Gunn. Stars: Jean Flanagan, Laura Spandler. In: Sarah McCambridge, Sofie McLeod. Out: Nil.
Coaches say: After a disappointing season last year, we have had a big pre-season and the team is looking fit and raring to go with the expectation of improving on that result. We are not reinventing the wheel. We have gone back to basics to improve the team’s overall skills to give ourselves the best chance in 2018.
Adam says: The two Maccas (McCambridge and McLeod) will ensure OHA is a different proposition in 2018. Have enough A-grade talent to rise right back into flag contention, but will need to bring its supporting cast with it.