Stars of Australian hockey ready to fire in Hockey WA’s Men’s Premier League

Australia’s best hockey athletes from state, national and international sides are set to shine in Western Australia with the upcoming 2023 Men’s Premier League season commencing 31 March.

The 2023 season will feature a range of high-profile athletes from the Kookaburras, including Ben Rennie, Tom Wickham, Alan Zalewski, Jake Harvie and James Collins, as well as local legends, and state representatives, across the teams competing in the 132-match season.
 
The competition will commence with two matches on the opening day of action, consisting of last year’s premiership winners, Melville, taking on Hale at Hale Turf in a blockbuster clash, and Whitford battling with YMCC at Warwick Hockey Centre.
 
Star Melville player, Ross Hall, says his side’s ambition for success remains strong in 2023 after claiming back-to-back premierships in 2021 and 2022.
 
“The Premier League always provides heated contests, and it is really fun to stand up to the challenge,” Hall said.
 
“As a squad, a three-peat is the ultimate goal this year – we are an ageing squad, but we want to show that we are not done just yet and are hungry for more.”
 
This year’s competition remains unchanged with twelve teams forming the line-up for the 2023 season: Melville, Fremantle Cockburn, Hale, Curtin University, UWA, WASPs, Victoria Park, Whitford, Westside Wolves, Old Guildfordians Mundaring, Reds and YMCC.
 
Former Kookaburra and Reds star, Aaron Kleinschmidt, is excited for the upcoming season, with his side looking to go one better after a narrow Grand Final defeat in 2022.
 
“I think there has been a bit of a shift in some of the teams and the ladder will potentially change from what it has been for the past couple of years,” Kleinschmidt said.
 
“We have a bit of a different squad this year and I am really excited to see how it plays out.”
 
The Kookaburras athletes will also shine alongside local WA hockey stars, next-generation Australian talent, as well as WA’s own under-age State Team representatives.
 
YMCC Hockey Club is a prime example of WA’s next generation of hockey stars competing in the Premier League, with four under-age State Team representatives hoping to drive the side towards the top end of the ladder.
 
“We have some great under-21s players coming through. We have four amazing players who all aspire to play for Australia,” Star YMCC defender, Marshall Roberts said.
 
“It’s a really exciting time for our club, and with guys like that, we really can’t wait to see them get to that next level and make a big impact in the League.”
 
Hockey WA CEO, Fabian Ross, expressed his optimism for the Premier League season and the opportunities it will bring for both club and player development in Western Australia.
 
“Our Premier League is lucky to boast some of Australia’s leading athletes as the Australian National High-Performance program is based at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University,” Ross said.
 
“The ability to give our up-and-coming hockey stars an opportunity to play alongside professional athletes in the Premier League competition is fantastic for WA hockey, as it gives players the chance to gain more skills and experience in a high-performance environment.”
 
Select games of the Premier League will be broadcast live and free on Live Hockey.
 
View full fixtures for the 2023 Men's Premier League season.