Foster keen to replicate 21s form in upcoming Hockey one season

A gold medal, player of the tournament and the top goal-scorer. 

That’s the effort from 20-year-old Brodee Foster at the recent under-21 national championship, in front of family and friends at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University.

In the weeks following, Foster has been recognised as one of the top players his age, after his selection into the junior national side - the Burras.

“It’s been huge for me, obviously it was a big tournament for myself and for the team taking out WA’s first Gold since 2011, [which is] something we all have huge pride in,” Foster says.

Foster describes the opportunity to play for Western Australia as an “honour” and is something he always has great joy in doing.

“It is a huge honour, I am very passionate about representing WA and what it stands for,” he says.

“Representing my family, my friends and representing those who have played and given so much to the game in WA is something I take great pride in doing, and trying to do well.”

The young gun has donned the black and gold more than a handful of times, so to step up and take the opportunity to shine at under-21’s was a standout moment in his flourishing - but already bright - career.

He says there’s not one particular thing that’s changed - it’s a multitude of factors. 

“I think it was a combination of things, a really good consistent prep with the team, the other boys and coaches trusting in me to do my job throughout the tournament but most of all the boys around me,” he says.

“We just had an unbelievable connection as a group and I was fortunately the beneficiary of a lot of that, hitting the scoreboard nice and often.

Above: Foster scores one of the goals of the year at the Hockey Australia Under-21s National Championships

The Reds product’s performances throughout the local season already - even before the under-21’s competition - have earned him a senior call-up at a state level.

Foster has been selected as part of this year’s Perth Thundersticks squad for the Sultana Bran Hockey One League. 

He says he’s hoping his recent success can prepare him for what’s to come in just a few months when the League kicks off. 

“To come off the back of that tournament in some form personally should hold me in pretty good stead to hopefully perform well for the Thundersticks and beyond in the near future hopefully,” he says. 

“It has been a goal of mine for a few years now to be in this squad and to play games as well.

“So to be named this year and fingers crossed Hockey One will go ahead, so I can pull on that Thundersticks kit with guys I have looked up to and continue to look up to.”

Foster’s ability to play throughout a range of roles is one of his biggest assets, bringing a great wealth of speed, skill and experience at such a young age.

Foster says his “unrelenting pressure and energy” are what he thinks keeps earning him the selections and recognition.

“It’s the thing I pride myself on day in and day out and is something my teammates, coaches and Thundersticks supporters can expect from me for 60 minutes every time I play,” 

The former young cricket talent made the jump to hockey after being selected in the under-16 national team which travelled to Europe for three-and-a-half weeks through the Netherlands, France, Belgium and Germany.

The trip mimicked the life of full-time hockey players with training, games and a tournament in Germany to finish against Netherlands, Germany and Ireland - which Australia won. 

Foster says it’s that trip that changed everything for him, and chose his direction going forward. 

“The feeling of a team environment for those three-and-a-half weeks and the love of the game it instilled upon me was hard to ignore,” he says. 

“I was asked to go back to Germany to play for a club there meaning I wouldn’t be able to play cricket as the seasons cross, but it was a no brainer for me.

“I just loved hockey and took that chance when it presented itself to me, a tough choice to give up cricket but something I’ll never regret and also absolutely loved.”

Foster attributes the success he’s achieved so far to role models he has had along the way. 

The calibre of players in the Local Premier League has provided the rising star the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s best players. 

“I have been fortunate enough to play a lot of club hockey with the likes of Jeremy Hayward, Blake Govers and Aran Zalewski,” he says. 

“[They are] three of the best players in the world at the moment, and I definitely look up to all three of them in a huge way.

“Whether it be small inklings of how they carry themselves, how they play or their pure love of the game it has influenced me enormously.

“I am very lucky to have a few of them in my corner for sure.”

If Foster continues the way he’s going - he may get to play alongside them one day on the world stage, and become a role model himself. 

For any future kids coming through, he says it’s important to go after every opportunity and every chance you get. 

“Whether it be an extra training session, a chance to play up a grade or even just to trial for your age group state team, you’ll learn something,” he says.

“Also, If you find love for the game you’ll never look back.

“It won't be easy the whole way through, but if you love it, it will most definitely be worth it! 

“Finally, come say hi, whether it be your favourite Kookaburra or Thunderstick’s player or even if it is me, come say hi.

“We love the game and want to help you out too.”

The Perth Thundersticks need your support this Sultana Bran Hockey One League season, with our first double header to be played at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University on Saturday 1 October. Show your support by purchasing a membership, or through our Perth Thundersticks Player Partnership Program. We want all of WA behind our elite-level men's and women's teams!