WA Talent Selected in Hockey Australia Development Squads

Four WA athletes are included in Hockey Australia’s National Development squads for 2019.

Both men’s and women’s development squads are currently capped at 12 members, although further additions are likely based on planned national camps in the new year.

The women’s development squad sees three Western Australians earning selection, with incumbent Aleisha Power (21) joined by Candyce Peacock (22) and Karri Somerville (19).

Frazer Gerrard (22) is the sole WA representative in the men’s development squad in a system that Hockey Australia High Performance Director Toni Cumpton said was designed around fast tracking the next generation of potential international talent.

“The overarching principles for selection was identifying athletes capable of progressing to the National Senior Squads through the training and competition opportunities the National Development Program provides, in addition to development in their home daily training environment.

“In 2018 we had several athletes debut at the senior international level out of the National Development Squads and go on to earn National Senior Squad opportunities for 2019.This is a great reflection on the work being done in our under pinning programs by our NTC coaches in our states and territories, and ensures we continue to develop depth in our athlete cohort.

“The 2019 National Development Squad Program will provide development opportunities through the provision of visiting athlete agreement opportunities to the centralised High Performance Program in Perth and potential international competition opportunities,” Cumpston said.