Hockey heroes ready to soar for upcoming classic

With some of Australia’s best hockey players preparing for the Ric Charlesworth Classic, presented by Brightside Live – it’s time for a look at who can make a big difference on the pitch. What team will win this year? Will it be the Breakers who go back-to-back? Or will the Suns, Outbacks or Highlanders take home this year’s title?

Line Malan

Hailing from South Africa - Line Malan might just be one of the finest import pickups a club has ever had. Hale hit the jackpot with her speed, hockey smarts and on-ball skills... not slowing down any time soon, even after being ruled out just a few years ago with a serious achilles injury. She made her senior debut for South Africa in 2014, despite a number of setbacks along the way. Malan will be a huge part of the Breakers attack, being part of their success in last year's tournament. 

Jade Vanderzwan

The young gun that just keeps giving. Jade Vanderzwan offers what a lot of players want - grit. She's flourished as a player since moving to Raiders last year, even being given a few opportunities at the national junior level to shine. The Suns will look to use her as a speedy, skilled young player. Vanderzwan will have also recently returned from a Jillaroos camp, and after training with WAIS all off season, there's no doubt about her fitness and touch.

Rachel Frusher

The 2019 Charlesworth Medallist could potentially lead the Outbacks to success. Having a big presence at the backline, Frusher is also a great leader with an extensive hockey knowledge. She’s able to find gaps in presses to give killer midfield balls – even sometimes skipping that line altogether and hitting the forward in a good spot to break away. She’s been part of the Victoria Park side which has won back-to-back premierships in the past two years & is one to watch this year.

Elizabeth Duguid

Lizzie Duguid is a huge component of the Highlanders line up. Knowing she'll be there if an opposing forward breaks through is comforting and confidence-boosting for defenders. With lightning-fast reflexes and a surprisingly wide reach - strikers will have to really work Lizzie to get the ball past her. She’s without a doubt one of the best goalies in WA – and having strength from the back is an asset for the Highlanders going forward.

The Ric Charlesworth Classic begins on Saturday, March 26 and runs for seven days at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University. For fixtures, squads and more click here. Entry is $5, with kids under 18 FREE.