Goldfields star set to shine in All Flags Premier League

For a young up-and-coming hockey star, an All Flags Premier League debut is one of the most memorable moments in their career.

That’s a feat Goldfields goalkeeper Tess Rowling was able to achieve, when she was recently named to take the place of injured Hockeyroos goalkeeper Aleisha Power.

Saturday, May 8 saw the 16-year-old don the black and orange uniform of Victoria Park for the first time in her side’s match against YMCC.

Rowling said it is important for junior athletes to be given these opportunities, especially those who are coming from regional WA.

“One of the best ways to further develop skills and abilities is through learning and by playing against people with a higher skill level,” she said.

“You learn from your teammates and your own mistakes and successes.

“I am constantly exposed to new experiences as there’s always things for me to improve on and new things to learn in order develop my goalkeeping style.”

The Kalgoorlie product was then named to play again for the following two rounds, in what is arguably one of the world’s best club hockey competitions.

A 1200km round trip every weekend is something becoming familiar to the Rowling family, travelling to Perth to play, before heading back home to play in the Eastern Goldfields club competition.

“With the All Flags Premier League being in Perth, my dad drives me to Perth pretty much every weekend,” Rowling said.

“We have travelled [to Perth] 22 times this year, and because of roadworks at the moment it is about a six-and-a-half-hour drive.”

Rowling first made her way onto the WA Hockey stage in 2017 when she was selected to represent the state at the Under 13 National Championships and has pulled on the black and gold uniform five times since.

She recently returned from the Australian Under 18 National Championships in Launceston, where her side narrowly missed out on a bronze medal.

Although Rowling and her side were not fortunate enough to win a medal at the tournament, she remains grateful for the doors it has opened, especially this All Flags Premier League opportunity. 

“It feels so surreal to play with and against so many skilled hockey players,” she said.

I think it really is the opportunity of a lifetime to have even been considered for it, due to [living in Kalgoorlie].

“I don’t think I’ll ever stop being in awe every time I step onto the field.”

The continued support of the Eastern Goldfields Hockey community has played a large part in Rowling’s success, especially that of her home club Mines Hockey Club.

Rowling said while she is undoubtedly grateful for her opportunities thus far, it is sad not all regional athletes get the same opportunities that she does.

“Not everyone can put in the kind of hours my dad puts in getting me to games by driving to Perth for an hour long game and then straight home again for school,” she said.

“It is extremely hard for regional players to get the kind of exposure and experience that I have been given, due to distance and other commitments.”

For scores, information and more on the All Flags Premier League, head to the Hockey WA website and social media platforms.