2021 Women’s All Flags Premier League set to sizzle

The 2021 women’s All Flags Premier League hockey competition commences this Friday, 16 April – and it’s shaping up as arguably the best season in recent memory.
 
With the likely inclusion of a large number of Hockeyroos before the Tokyo Olympics, a full season of 18 rounds and select matches being live streamed around the world through Hockey WA’s Facebook and YouTube platforms, this year’s women’s All Flags Premier League is certainly going to be memorable.
 
YMCA Coastal City goalkeeper Erin Judd said the involvement of Australian players will add great value and development for up-and-coming players.
 
“We are extremely lucky to have the Australian program involved to strengthen our league,” Judd said.
 
“Their capability and the fact that they are spread evenly across clubs means that every match is exciting and at a high standard.
 
“Game play is going to be a big focus on their path to Tokyo, so for them to be playing some of the state’s best, the competition will be great.”
 
The league will also play as a selection tool for final Perth Thundersticks teams. The extended women's Thundersticks squad of 40 women was named after the completion of the recent Ric Charlesworth Classic, and includes four senior Hockeyroos squad members in Georgia Wilson, Penny Squibb, Aleisha Power and Karri Somerville.
 
The first round will open with a match between Suburban Lions and Curtin University at a Friday night spectacle under lights at Lemnos Turf.
 
Hale will look to get revenge on Vic Park on Saturday after they narrowly missed out on the 2020 Premiership 3-2 in extra time in the headline match for the round, but this time have the home ground advantage.
 
Hale captain Fiona Cock says the side has had a good pre-season and is ready to go third time lucky and come out with the flag this year.
 
“This season should be good for us, we have retained most of our team,” she said. 
 
“I think we have got a bit of unfinished business from the last two years, so we are looking to come out and win it this year.”
 
Westside Wolves, who played last year’s finals series but were knocked out before the grand final, will take on fellow west-siders University of WA on Saturday afternoon at Lemnos.
 
North Coast Raiders will look to start the season well with a win against Melville at home on Saturday afternoon, before Sunday YMCC will take on WASPs at home.
 
The league is arguably the world’s best club hockey competition, with imports from countries such as Ireland, South Africa, Venezuela and New Zealand to play this year. 
 
Live scores, updates and more information on the men’s and women’s 2021 All Flags Premier League season will be available on the Hockey WA website. Click here to follow the action.