TASSIE’S STARS OF THE FUTURE

With Tasmanians Eddie Ockenden and Josh Beltz off to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and an untimely injuring cruelling Jack Welch’s selection hopes, Mercury hockey writer ADAM CLIFFORD takes a look at the next crop of international hockey stars set to come from the Apple Isle. Clifford has analysed the current talent pools and predicted his list of the top 20 Tasmanians most likely to play for Australia in the future.

1. MADDISON BROOKS (OHA)

The youngest member of the National Development squad and both Player of the Tournament and Leading Goal Scorer at the U18 Nationals this year, Brooks is on course to become the Eddie Ockenden of the Hockeyroos. A long and distinguished international career may not beckon until after the 2023 Junior World Cup, but some strong Hockey One form may bring that timeline forward.

2. HAYDEN BELTZ (DBS)

The younger brother of Olympian Josh is one injury away from a Kookaburras debut after transforming himself into an outside defender since moving to Perth to further his career. Athletically gifted, his tight marking and ability to drive forward mean he’ll be sized up for a national playing strip shortly.

3. SAM McCULLOCH (CAN)

A player that has been working through the gears in recent times and outgrew the Tasmanian Premier League this season, with 14 goals from nine matches and then announced himself in Perth with goals on debut. A forthcoming series against the Japanese

national side presents an opportunity for McCulloch to elevate his status.

4. MADDY MURPHY (OHA)

A lock to play against Japan in August, the University of Iowa graduate has thrived since returning from the states and with the Tasmanian Institute of Sport program. Murphy has similar traits to the Hockeyroos current midfielders and a big Hockey One could see her earn a national call up.

5. JOSHUA BROOKS (UNI)

A prodigious talent from an early age, Brooks’ pre-scanning ability and awareness of space is a real feature of his game. Currently playing in Victoria with the Brumbies, Brooks has eight goals for the season and will be closely monitored when he features for Tasmania’s U21 side next month.

6. ISABELLE KRUIMINK (OHA)

A standout performer for a number of years now in the Premier League, Kruimink has a real presence on field and strikes the set piece as well as anyone. The key to commanding a future Hockeyroos spot will be developing her tackling and exposure as a marking outside defender but has the traits necessary.

7. TAYLOR BROOKS (OHA)

As the twin of Maddison, who has claimed accolade upon accolade, its easy to forget just how talented Taylor is in her own right. An international career as an outside defender or defensive midfielder is a real possibility, where a premium is placed on role players with lesser instinctive awareness.

8. OSCAR SPROULE (UNI)

One word summarises Sproule best ‘raw’. A naturally gifted striker who’s mesmerising stickwork places defences in knots, but a sense of calm seemingly befalls him as he enters the attacking circle. Will terrorise defenders at the National U16s and if his work ethic remains, he’ll rise sharply in the coming 24 months.

9. MAGNUS McCAUSLAND (DER)

The Strikers owe two Premier League titles to this kid’s performance, which demonstrates his massive natural ability and mental fortitude. He has to now commit to enhancing some technical aspects, but national selectors will be salivating at his speed

to rebound and make big double saves as the Kookaburras current goalkeeper stocks age quickly.

10. MAX LARKIN (CAN)

Some corners would argue he be flipped on this list ahead of McCausland due to his compact technique and pure shot stopping ability, but I’m simply excited Australian hockey could very well have the pair sharing time between the sticks for the green and gold on the international stage. They should make the perfect training companions with their contrasting strengths and areas to improve.

11. GOBINDRAJ GILL (NWG)

Largely unseen by national selectors since 2019 due to the pandemic and injuries, Gill has relocated to Perth to push his case for inclusion in an Australia A squad against Japan in August. Arguably plays his best hockey at right half but could find himself squeezed out of that role by the strength of the Tassie Tigers Hockey One backline.

12. OLIVER PRITCHARD (DBS)

The son of ex-Hockeyroos defender reportedly impressed many with an eye on Australia’s Junior World Cup squad next year at a national camp on the Gold Coast months ago. Anticipates the play well at Premier League level, carries the ball nicely and a big next eighteen months playing in the backline, could see him follow in mum’s footsteps.

13. EVIE DALTON (OHA)

My pick to be Tigers Hockey One goalkeeper and if proven correct, she’ll have a massive stage to launch an assault on the Junior World Cup squad with consistent performances. Dalton’s has just added additional coaching sessions with former World Goalkeeper of the Year Rachael Lynch to her club hockey schedule in Perth and could be primed for a big U21 nationals.

14. TYLER McDONALD (CAN)

Not currently in any national underage squads but continues to develop his penalty corner flicking and his strength as a one-on-one defender mean he could quickly elevate himself. Another son of a former-Hockeyroo, hockey is in his DNA and continued application to his weaknesses could quickly reap rewards at international level.

15. RUBEN HOEY (DER)

Has drawn comparisons to the great Eddie Ockenden from when the pair were a similar age with his fancy skills and ability to glide past defenders carrying the ball out in front. Earned national U18 selection and it’s now just a matter of kicking on to maximise his unquestioned talent.

16. MADISON CLARK (DBS)

West Devonport product that caught the eye of national selectors with a strong U18 championship as an outside defender, after previous showings as a defensive midfielder. Clark regularly makes the trek to Hobart to ply her trade with DiamondBacks under the coaching of two former Hockeyroos.

17. LACHIE ROGERS (CAN)

Identified at U18 nationals, one cannot mention this kid without referencing his great stick skills. A player with speed, a strong base and who carries the ball on a string, Rogers has a great foundation to launch a career as a line breaking midfielder. Here’s hoping he can add goals and be more expansive to add to his exquisite link up play.

18. MAX JOHNSTONE (DBS)

Three months ago, this kid was unheard of and he’s now one of the names on everyone’s lips in the Premier League with his set piece drag flicks and uncanny knack for finding the goals. Burst onto the scene with a stellar U18 championships and he could well be a top ten prospect in 2023 with right commitment.

19. SOPHIE ROCKEFELLER (DER)

Along with clubmate Lauren Canning, Rockefeller could be identified at U21s for possible Junior World Cup selection after impressing as juniors in the 2019 Hockey One League. Has chosen a pathway into the USA Collegiate system which she’ll hope aides her skill development and situational analysis.

20. CAMI VAUGHN (DBS)

The former DiamondBacks goalkeeper, who relocated to Perth, is among a healthy list of goalkeeping prospects in Tasmania and, like Dalton, has the added benefit of coaching from Rachael Lynch now. Is one big national championships from elevating her name into the top bracket of future Hockeyroos.