WA’s bright future showcased at 2023 Hockey Australia Under-21s National Championships

Medals, historic moments and top-level officiating highlighted a successful 2023 Hockey Australia Under-21s National Championships for Western Australia, displaying a bright future for the sport in the state.

The WA Under-21s Men claimed back-to-back titles, completing an undefeated run in the process.

The historic moment was the first time since 1983 that a WA Under-21s Men’s team had won the title in consecutive years.

The Grand Final against New South Wales posed a tough challenge for the side, with resilience and drive on display as the team ran out 1-0 winners in a tough contest, with Cam Geddes the lone scorer in the eighth minute.

The strength of the squad was highlighted through the announcement of the National Junior Squads, with 10 of the WA men selected in Australia’s top under-age representative team – a phenomenal total.

After stellar performances, Angus Adamson, Hamish Adamson, Luke Anderson, Sam Ashton, Hunter Banyard, Brodee Foster, Max Freedman, Cam Geddes, Oliver Higgins and Tom Keating all made the national level side.

Leading the charge was Head Coach and Perth Thundersticks representative, Tim Geers – a coach proud of the efforts put forward by his side on the national stage.

“To be the first WA Under-21 Men’s team in 40 years to win back-to-back National Championships is an achievement that should be rightfully celebrated and is the result of a four-year build with an outstanding group of young men,” Geers said.

“There were several factors this time around that presented a far greater challenge, so it’s very satisfying that we were able to go through undefeated once again having played all bar one team.

“Our group is fundamentally built on trust and the environment we have been able to create for each other is something that goes beyond hockey and the thing I am most proud of.

“The ability to come back from two goals down on three separate occasions in a Semi-Final is quite outrageous but it’s one example that highlights the belief and trust the players have in us, each other, and our process.

“What we are building – and the success we are enjoying – is very special, and well-deserved for an exceptionally committed group of players and staff.”

The women claimed a bronze medal in emphatic fashion, defeating Tasmania 8-0 in the Bronze Medal Match, with five individual goal scorers showcasing a potent attacking style.

Across the six games for the side, the lone loss came in their Semi-Final against Queensland, suffering a narrow 2-0 defeat.

Women’s Head Coach Steph Andrews highlighted the success as a result of a collective effort from her players.

“I am really pleased and excited by the performances of the team," Andrews said.

“We pride ourselves on playing a collective team game and the girls showcased that throughout the tournament, particularly in the Semi-Final and Bronze Medal Match.

“The future certainly looks bright as well, with some very exciting talent in this side, our Under-18s group from 2022, and those with Under-21s yet to play – a lot of these players, and past recent Under-21s, are making an impact on the Thundersticks Women’s Team.

“Finally, it is never a given to play finals each year, nor is it easy, so I am extremely proud of the players and staff who I believe are building something special.”

Five of the WA women were also named in the National Junior Squads after strong displays at the National Championships - Britney DeSilva, Jessica Freedman, Tyler Pedley, Saysha Pillay and Belle Ramshaw all receiving acknowledgement for their strengths.

A total of 15 of the 57 players selected across the Men’s and Women’s National Junior Squads donned the black and gold at the National Championships – highlighting a bright future for the state in hockey.

Two Western Australian officials also plied their trade in the National Championships finals series, with Daniel Johnston officiating in the Gold Medal Match, and Jordan Moore in the Bronze Medal Match.

“The performances on display by our WA Under-21s at the National Championships were really pleasing to see," Hockey WA CEO Fabian Ross said.

“Two medal placements is a phenomenal effort and I am proud of our players, coaches, volunteers, and our WA officials – they all represented our state with pride.

“Congratulations to all on a fantastic National Championships run – the future of hockey in WA is in safe hands with the talent, dedication and respect on display.”

Full WA results at the 2023 Hockey Australia Under-21s National Championships.