See the Kookaburras stars in action in the Fortescue Challenge

The Kookaburras are back! Come and see Australia’s world class national men’s team in action in the Fortescue Challenge, a 3-match intra-squad series emulating as close to full international fixtures as possible.
 
Not involved in the current FIH Pro League due to COVID travel restrictions, the Kookaburras have not played an international match since their heartbreaking loss in the Gold Medal Match at last year’s Tokyo Olympics.
 
With limited opportunities to play internationally prior to the upcoming Commonwealth Games in July, the Fortescue Challenge is a crucial part of the Kookaburras’ preparation for the tournament in Birmingham which is under 150 days away.
 
The Kookaburras squad will split into two teams for the three-match Fortescue Challenge at Perth Hockey Stadium with the first hit out on Friday 11 March at 6.30pm.
 
“We did a similar thing at around the same time last year and it proved really beneficial in our Olympic preparation by billing these games as internationals,” said Kookaburras Head Coach Colin Batch.
 
“While playing intra-squad matches is never the same as facing proper international opposition, by setting it up and including elements that you would normally have for international matches provides a different atmosphere and approach compared to what you get in the Daily Training Environment.”
 
“One of the most significant elements is having people in the stands to generate some energy and noise around the stadium, so I hope the Western Australian hockey community and the sporting public in general come down and cheer the guys on.”
 
“We have some new exciting youngsters in the squad and there is fierce competition for spots in the team, so the players won’t be holding anything back.”
 
Entry is $5 with kids under 5 FREE. Bar and cafe services will be available.*
 
Fortescue Challenge
Friday 11 March 2022
Tuesday 15 March 2022
Friday 18 March 2022
 
Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University
All matches start at 6.30pm local time
 
$5 Entry (kids under 5 are free)
Gates open 45 minutes before push back

See some of WA's best compete before the Fortescue Challenge in the Thundersticks Cup from 5:30pm Friday 11 March

AS PER THE WA STATE GOVERNMENT’S COVID-19 MEASURES, THE FOLLOWING APPLIES FOR THE FORTESCUE CHALLENGE:

• Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University has a 500 patron capacity limit – if this is surpassed, patrons over the threshold will not be able to attend
• Proof of vaccination is required for patrons aged 16 and over
• Masks must be worn at all times – both indoors and outdoors
• $5 entry fee – cashless payment desired where possible
• Food and beverage must be consumed while sitting down – no standing consumption is allowed
• Bag checks will be conducted upon entry
• Entry to the bar café and grandstand will be via one door near the BBQ area
• Alcohol can only be consumed in the bar and café and the grandstand