WA Hockey Talent Selected in National Junior Squads

WA will boast five representatives in the Burras squad for the 2018 Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia next October.

The squad was announced by Hockey Australia in addition to the 27-strong men’s and women’s national junior squads which both included significant Western Australian representation.

Matthew Fisher, Liam Flynn, Coby Green, Brayden King and Alec Rasmussen will all compete for the Australian junior team at Sultan of Johor Cup after each was named in the men’s national junior squad for 2018.

In the women’s national junior squad, Sienna Archer, Annie Gibbs, Pippa Morgan, Renee Rockliff, Jolie Sertorio and Shanea Tonkin were all selected following their performances at the recent U21 national championships.

National Junior Men’s Coach Ben Bishop said: “As always the selection of our Junior Squad was challenging. A number of athletes not selected performed well at the Under-21’s Championships this year and we look forward to seeing their development over the next 12 months.

“For the athletes selected, it is a reward for consistent and quality performances throughout not only the Under-21’s tournament but also in their home training environments and National Junior Program activities over the last year.

“Our National Junior Program looks to continue to deliver our next Kookaburras through development in quality training camps and international competition opportunities such as the Sultan of Johor Cup this year.”

In the Women’s National Junior Squad, Amy Lawton and Jolie Sertorio are included despite both being just 16 years young with the selectors excited about their potential.

National Junior Women’s Coach Tim White said: “We are excited to announce the 2018 Women’s National Junior Squad. There are 10 athletes who have been selected in the squad for the first time, with the remainder of the squad being re-selected after being in the 2017 National Junior Squad.

“The National Junior Squad plays an important role in the Hockey Australia pathway. The main purpose of the National Junior Squad is to broaden the talent base of quality young athletes around the country.

“Some athletes from the National Junior Squad will come under consideration for an Under 23’s Tour to China in November, where Australia will play six matches against China, Great Britain and Germany.