Tassie prime for first win

THE Tassie Tigers women hope to capitalise on the Hockeyroos’ Olympic qualifiers next week by upsetting an under-strength Brisbane Blaze on their home turf tonight from 7pm.

Australia failed to qualify automatically and the Hockeyroos have headed into camp in Perth to prepare for a cut-throat two-match series against Russia to qualify for Tokyo 2020.

That leaves the Blaze without stars like Jodie Kenny, Rosie Malone, Madison Fitzpatrick and Renee Taylor. Tigers skipper Amelia Spence is eyeing off the team’s first points of the tournament after two honourable losses.

“I think this weekend is a good chance for us to get some points, or more importantly get some goals to build confidence,” Spence said.

“We have definitely taken steps forward and it’s shown in the statistics from our previous games where we have had more possession and more circle entries, we just need to apply some polish at the end.”

Spence will still be pitted against former Hockeyroos Ashlea Fey and Jordyn Holzberger, with the trio all still in their mid-twenties and at the top of their games.

“My own form has been OK, but I’m looking to put in two good performances this weekend by working hard and leading by example and I think we’re better off focusing on our own game and finishing our good work off,” Spence said.

The Tigers have made changes to their bookends with Ruby-Rose HaywoodGibson coming in as goalkeeper and dual Premier League leading goalscorer Ashleigh Arthur added to the forward line.

After initially missing a place in the 20-player squad, Arthur comes in to make her Hockey One debut and isn’t looking to prove an individual point.

“To be honest I’m just focusing on doing the best job I can for the team, so we can be successful because that means much more to me than individual success within the group,” Arthur said.

The Tigers will back up away against the Canberra Chill on Sunday at 2pm.