Finding our 10 finest talents
With the Hockey Gold Coast season heating up before the thick of the finals action, the Bulletin takes a look at the best Division 1 men’s and women’s players. We name the 10 finest talents taking the competitions by storm.
MEN Jason Wilson (Kingscliff)
Former Kookaburra central defender whose class and game smarts, together with his lethal outletting ability, make him a formidable opponent for any team.
Jake Farrell (Kingscliff)
Former Aussie junior who is a consistent midfielder. Has great individual ball control and a wide passing range making him a threat from deep or close to the circle.
Henry Prichard (Kingscliff)
The ultimate team player. Captained the 2018 premiership team. Goes above and beyond for his teammates. Possesses great speed and an uncanny knack of scoring.
Josh Baxter (Roosters)
Defender with strong attacking attributes. No longer eligible for Queensland under-21 or Australian Country selection so a strong Queensland Country effort in August at the nationals will put him in contention for Australian Country senior men.
Sam Basile (Roosters)
At 21 he is a “senior” player with seven years experience. Plays any position and like Baxter will focus on Australian Country senior men selection at the nationals.
Nicolaas Smith (Capri)
Recently returned from a successful tour with the Australian Schoolboys, winning gold against Ireland and was a part of this year’s gold medal Queensland under-18 team at the nationals in Hobart.
Will Mathison (Burleigh)
Player of the under-18 state titles and also recently won gold in Germany with the Australian Schoolboys at the Whitsun Four Nations. Earnt selection in next year’s Queensland under-18 side and has represented Labrador in Brisbane Hockey League.
Aaron Weiss (Burleigh)
Suffered a wrist injury late last month but is one of the competition’s best goal- keepers. The 23-year-old splits weekends playing for Labrador (BHL) and Burleigh in Division 1. Named for Queensland Blades last year.
Joseph Sandor (Casuarina)
Leads goal-scoring with 13 in six games. Part of the South Coast Sharks’ winning side at the Poligras Super League earlier this year and plays for both Labrador (BHL) as well as Casuarina.
Lachlan Hardy (Capri)
Another who has a great ability to read the game and control the ball in defence and attack. Can play through multiple lines and communi- cates well with his team.
WOMEN Dayle Dolkens (Roosters)
Top scorer with 16 goals in nine games and Australian Futures squad member. Selected in the state under-21 side at just 17, she has shown more maturity and composure this season and added defensive work to her game.
Jesse Reid (Roosters)
Another of the Roosters’ Queensland under-21 players, has also been selected in the Brisbane Blaze squad for the revamped Australian Hockey League. She is showing a keen eye for goal this season from centre half. She has stepped into the vice-captain role.
Olivia Otto (Mudgeeraba)
A fierce player, who has speed and skill. Any team would benefit from having her in it. Won the Players’ Player award in 2014 and was part of the title-winning Queensland open team.
Marnie Hudson (Labrador)
Ex-Hockeyroo playing some of her best hockey in recent years. Would still sit in the top 10 players on the Coast. Maybe not quite as fast as she was but her game awareness is still outstanding.
Kyra Livermore (Labrador)
Young but has so much potential following her father Brent’s footsteps. Plays with maturity well above her age. She has represented her state at a number of levels.
Courtney Davis (Labrador)
An up-and-coming star just competed in the Australian schoolgirls team, was a member of the Brisbane Super League side and also a state junior representative. Another who plays with a maturity level beyond her years.
Natarlia Smith (Capri)
Has a great ability to read the play. Blistering speed, footwork and awesome skills.
Morgan Mathison (Burleigh)
Score twice in Burleigh’s 2018 premiership. Named last year in Australia’s Youth Olympics team, the Queensland under-21 side (taking out player of the tournament at the Aussie titles) and has also played for the national schoolgirls team. Was backed in by her peers to be league MVP at the start of the year.
Jordy Fuller (Burleigh)
The 16-year-old has 51 caps for Burleigh. Was this week selected in the Queensland under-18 squad for 2020 after a strong showing at the state championships.
Ruby Harris (Burleigh)
A member of the Queensland under-21 team and under-18s side which won gold at nationals earlier this year. Has shown she has a bright future ahead of her.