Match Preview | Perth Thundersticks vs. Tassie Tigers

The Perth Thundersticks started their 2023 JDH Hockey One season with a bang, defeating Canberra Chill 4-1 in both the men's and women's competitions.

With such a strong start to the season, despite having a bye round last weekend, the Thundersticks are currently in second place to be crowned the best team overall across both competitions in the One Hockey Cup standings.

Now, they are gearing up for what promises to be a heated face-off this Friday 20 October against the Tassie Tigers to cement their position.

Our women will be the first to take the stage down in Tasmania, with their match kicking off at 3.30pm AWST. Their excellent win against the Chill earlier this month places the Thundersticks in second position on the ladder.

The Tassie Tigers women's team, however, remains winless, after a 1-0 loss to Hockey Club Melbourne in round one and a 4-0 loss to Canberra Chill in round two.

Last year's Hockey One season ended with the Tassie Tigers in seventh place with one win, while the Perth Thundersticks secured the bronze medal in a stunning 3-0 defeat of Hockey Club Melbourne.

When the two teams met at Perth Hockey Stadium during the home and away season, the Thundersticks emerged with a 3-0 victory over the Tigers, with two goals to Georgia Wilson and one goal to Shanea Tonkin.

The Thundersticks women's side are also set to regain two key players this Friday - Penny Squibb, a Thundersticks staple of many years, and Britney Desilva, a rising star for the women.

The Thundersticks men's team will also be set for a tough match this Friday at 5.00pm AWST, following the Tigers' 7-0 domination of Canberra Chill last round.

The Thundersticks sit in fourth position after only one match and a bye round. The Tigers are currently ranked second with one win and one loss - a 4-1 defeat by Hockey Club Melbourne in round one.

When the Thundersticks and the Tigers met at Perth Hockey Stadium during the 2022 Hockey One season, their game was tied 0-0 at full time, and was sent into shootouts.

Both teams went one-for-one until the Tigers claimed the final goal that brought them across the line to win 7-6 against the Thundersticks.

Shootout goal scorers included: Tom Wickham (2), Jake Harvie, James Collins, Aran Zalewski, and Chris Bausor.

The Thundersticks men went on to win the silver medal last year, in a tight grand final match that saw NSW Pride take the game 2-0, and they are hungry to go one better this Hockey One season.

Stars Brodee Foster and Alistair Murray will be back to help the Thundersticks push for the gold lining back up in the men's team this Friday night.

The Tigers and the Thundersticks have a history of hard-fought and exciting clashes, and this Friday night is sure to be another display of elite hockey at its finest.

Tune in to 7Plus to watch the Thundersticks in action in Tasmania this Friday 20 October from 3.30pm AWST.