Premier League clashes to set Busselton alight in this year’s Regional Round

The Busselton Hockey Stadium will welcome Premier League sides this weekend with this year’s Regional Round set to make the trip south of Perth on Saturday 12 August.  

This year, the Westside Wolves men and women will clash against the YMCC men and Suburban Lions women in a Premier League double-header that promises to spoil elite hockey fans in the South West.  

The women’s match will offer a top four blockbuster, with the second-placed Lions team taking on fourth-placed Westside Wolves. The results of which will have massive implications on the standings heading into the final rounds of the season.  

These teams have faced off once already this season, with the Lions claiming a 2-0 victory over the Wolves at Wolves’ home field, Lemnos Field. Only three wins separate the top of the ladder and fifth place on the women’s Premier League ladder, meaning wins are essential in the coming weeks.   

In the men’s clash, fifth on the ladder, YMCC, will take on sixth on the ladder, Westside Wolves.  

YMCC have achieved 10 wins for the year, and Wolves have nine, making this game a must-win for both sides to keep finals hopes alive. The two played each other earlier this season, with the Wolves going down 3-5 to YMCC. The results of the game this weekend could mean an end to one team’s finals campaign.  

Busselton Hockey Stadium Manager, Robyn McNeil, said the event will be a great excitement for the local hockey community. 

“It’s fantastic to show that regional areas have the facilities to host such events,” McNeil said. 

"For the Busselton Hockey Association, it means players and the public have the opportunity to watch WA’s top league at home.” 

"Fans should expect to see great hockey all while enjoying Busselton Hockey Stadium’s canteen and bar and hopefully kindle new and old friendships.” 

Juniors in the region will also have a unique opportunity to be coached by some of the stars of the Premier League teams making the trip, with development clinics on offer. The clinics are free to attend, with participants invited to visit the stadium (times and registration details below) for the chance to learn from some of the best players Perth has to offer. 

McNeil stressed the importance of clinics such as these in regional areas. 

“Clinics such as these let the young players, and the public, see where they can go in the sport and improve their skills for their game,” McNeil said. 

Clinic activities will include specialised skills debriefing, small group games, technical skill development and physical conditioning.  

This Regional Round will not only showcase the quality of Perth’s Premier League hockey, but also indicate the importance of having elite-level events in regional areas of Western Australia.  

“Hockey WA is super excited to bring a double-header down to Busselton this weekend as part of our Premier League,” Hockey WA Regional and Community Engagement Manager Kristen Jerkovich said. 

“The South West is such a powerhouse region for hockey, with many of our top-level state athletes hailing from the region.  

“It is important they we connect with the community and show kids down there that there is a pathway for them if they choose to take up the sport at a higher level. 

“Hopefully those in the South West are ready to come on down, support some of their own local talent playing in the games and enjoy a fantastic day out at the hockey.” 

Both matches are free to attend and juniors in the region are invited to attend the clinics. 

2023 Hockey WA Regional Round 

Saturday 12 August – Busselton Hockey Stadium 

11.00am - 11.45am - Under-18s Development Clinic - email hockey@busseltonhockey.org.au to register

12.00pm - 12.30pm - Under-13s Development Clinic - email hockey@busseltonhockey.org.au to register

2.00pm - Premier League Women, Westside Wolves v Suburban Lions  

3.30pm - Premier League Men, Westside Wolves v YMCC