ROUND 4 | SUNDAY 3 NOVEMBER, 2024
PERTH HOCKEY STADIUM AT CURTIN UNIVERSITY
The Perth Thundersticks are back on home soil for Round 2 of the 2024 Liberty Hockey One season this weekend, with both teams featuring limited changes As the Perth Thundersticks get ready for their second home games for the 2024 Liberty Hockey One season, both the Men’s and Women’s teams will feature limited changes.
Men
After pulling off a huge come-from-behind victory to upset Hockey Club Melbourne, the Perth Thundersticks Men’s team will feature just one change ahead of their second home game of the season.
Fresh off his stint in the Sultan of Johor Cup with the Burras, Max Freedman will return to the side that will compete against Adelaide Fire on Sunday 3 November
Freedman made his Hockey One debut back in round one alongside fellow Burras teammate Angus Adamson in the Thundersticks’ losing effort to Canberra Chill.
This time around, Freedman will be looking to provide extra reinforcements as the Thundersticks look to build momentum off their first outright win of the season.
Freedman comes in to replace Josh Bowen who despite being listed as a late inclusion to replace James Collins in Melbourne, has been omitted from the line-up.
The last time the Thundersticks faced off against Adelaide Fire, the Thundersticks recorded an emphatic 3-0 win to get their season on track
This time around, the Thundersticks will have former Adelaide Fire team members Christian Starkie and Fraser Heigh go up against their old side for the first time
Men’s Team
Women
As the Perth Thundersticks Women’s team looks to continue its domination over the Hockey One competition, only one change has been made to the line-up ahead of their clash against Adelaide Fire
Georgia Wilson will return to the squad for the Thundersticks’ second home game of the season on Sunday 3 November
In this season so far, Wilson has featured in the team’s record 10-3 win over Canberra Chill and the 6-3 win over Tassie Tigers
Wilson will come into the side to replace Jolie Sertorio, who has been omitted from the lineup.
This weekend, the Thundersticks will be looking to book their tickets to Tasmania for the Liberty Hockey One finals and continue building on their undefeated streak.
The last time the Thundersticks went up against Adelaide Fire, the squad put up a dominant effort to win 4-0 and become the first Hockey One side overall to secure a spot in the 2023 Hockey One finals
This time around, the Thundersticks will be looking to replicate that effort and become the first side to lock in a finals berth once again
The Thundersticks will also likely come up against some familiar faces in the form of recruits Miki Spano, Britney Desilva and Tyler Pedley, while Eva Drummond will face former Netherlands teammate Margot van Geffen.
2024 Perth Thundersticks Women’s Squad
Pippa MORGAN
Age: 26
Nickname: Pip Club: UWA
Kayla O’SULLIVAN
Age: 23
Nickname: Kimmy Club: Victoria Park
Neasa FLYNN Age: 23
Nickname: Neas Club: UWA
Elyssa MELVILLE Age: 20
Nickname: Lys Club: Whitford
Courtney SCHONELL Age: 24
Nickname: Courto Club: UWA
Lexie PICKERING Age: 23
Nickname: Razzle Club: UWA
Penny SQUIBB (C)
Age: 31
Nickname: Squibb Club: Suburban Lions
Georgina DOWD
Age: 22
Nickname: G Club: Suburban Lions
Georgia HISKINS
Age: 17
Nickname: G Club: Victoria Park
Jesse REID
Age: 23
Nickname: Jesse Club: UWA
Liné MALAN (VC)
Age: 32
Nickname: Lion, Linney or Liné Club: Hale
Age: 20
Caitlyn TEMPLEMAN
Nickname: Caito Club: Hale
Elizabeth DUGUID (GK)
Age: 32
Nickname: Lizzy Club: WASPs
Bellé RAMSHAW
Age: 21
Nickname: Pronounced like ‘Bella’ Club: UWA
Madison NAISH
Age: 17
Nickname: Maddy Club: Westside Wolves
Annie GIBBS
Age: 26
Club: North Coast Raiders
Kaitlin NOBBS Age: 27
Nickname: Nobbsy Club: UWA
Aleisha POWER
Age: 27
Nickname: Leish Club: Victoria Park
Karri SOMERVILLE
Age: 25
Club: Victoria Park
Saysha PILLAY
Age: 20
Nickname: Saysh Club: UWA
Jolie SERTORIO
Age: 22
Nickname: Jols
Club: Suburban Lions
Eva DRUMMOND
Age: 35
Nickname: Takkie
Club: H.O.C Gazellen-Combinatie
Georgia WILSON
Nickname:
Candyce PEACOCK (VC)
Age: 28
Nickname: Candy Club: Westside Wolves
If you had told Eva Drummond and Liné Malan seven years ago in South Africa that they would reunite on the hockey turf in Australia, they would have likely called you a dreamer.
Fast forward to 2024, and the pair are doing just that, shining in what has been a stellar season for the Perth Thundersticks Women’s team
When Eva was announced as the Thundersticks’ first international signing back in May, it paved the way for a long-awaited reunion between two dear friends
Their story began in 2017 when Eva took a break from hockey following the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Living in Cape Town, she felt the itch to play again and joined Western Province Cricket Club, where she met Liné.
“We played for the same team for a few weeks, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since,” Eva recalled.
“We got to know one another a bit better on the field but also over a few beers off the field,” Liné added with a laugh.
After parting ways, Liné continued to excel in Australian hockey, playing for Hale and the Perth Thundersticks, as well as representing Australia A in 2023
Meanwhile, Eva amassed over 250 international caps with the Netherlands, earning numerous accolades, including Olympic medals and being named FIH Player of the Year in 2018 and 2020
Old Friends, New Goals: Drummond and Malan Reunite with Perth Thundersticks
It was until a chance congratulatory message from Liné celebrating Eva’s international career sparked the idea of bringing her to Australia
“I cheekily floated the idea of coming to play for the Thundersticks I thought it was a long shot,” Liné said.
When Eva expressed interest, Liné quickly contacted Steph Andrews at WAIS to explore the opportunity further.
“I loved the idea from the start,” Eva said.
“I had always wanted to play in a league overseas, so it was a great opportunity.
“After a few video calls with Liné, the coaches, and Hockey WA staff, I had a really good feeling about it all.
“Liné played a big part in my decision because she’s a friend, and it would be incredible to play together again after seven years.”
With the Thundersticks currently sitting atop the Liberty Hockey One Women’s ladder with a perfect 30 record, Eva and Liné have been enjoying precious time together on and off the field
“It has been amazing to share the pitch with Liné again,” Eva said.
“I never thought that would happen after seven years.”
“It’s an absolute honour to play alongside Eva again,” Liné added.
“She’s not only an incredible player but also an exceptional human being.
“I never thought I’d have the privilege to play with her for a second time later in my career ”
As they reunite, Eva is also making a significant impact on her Thundersticks teammates
“I’m very happy and grateful to be here with this incredible team,” she shared.
Liné emphasized Eva’s contribution, saying, “[She] has brought so much to the group, both on and off the field,”
“It’s a memorable experience for the Thundersticks to say they’ve played alongside one of the greatest to ever play the game ”
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2024 Perth Thundersticks Men’s Squad
Tom KEATING
Age: 21
Nickname: Keats Club: Westside Wolves
Will BATTISTESSA
Age: 26
Nickname: Wilba Club: Victoria Park
Brayden KING
Age: 26
Nickname: Kingy Club: Hale
Jake HARVIE (C)
Age: 26
Nickname: Snakeo, Specs Club: Westside Wolves
Tom WICKHAM (C)
Age: 34
Nickname: TJ Club: UWA
Kye STIRRAT
Age: 22
Nickname: Stizz Club: Victoria Park
Dane GAVRANICH
Age: 25
Club: Westside Wolves
Coby GREEN Age: 25
Nickname: Cobes, Greeny Club: UWA
James DAY
Age: 30
Nickname: Daisy Club: Melville
Josh BOWEN Age: 27
Nickname: JB, Bowey Club: Hale
Tom HARVIE (VC) Age: 24
Nickname: THarv
Club: Westside Wolves
Marshall PUZEY
Age: 25
Nickname: Marsh Club:
Sam ASHTON
Age: 22
Nickname: P Club: Hale
Chaz DAVIES Age: 21
Nickname: Chazzy Club: WASPs
Matt BIRD Age: 27
Nickname: Birdy Club: Fremantle Cockburn
Brodee FOSTER
Age: 22
Nickname: Brod Club: Reds
Ben RENNIE Age: 33
Nickname: Rennie
Club: Fremantle Cockburn
Age: 21
Angus ADAMSON
Nickname: Gus Club:
Christian STARKIE
Age: 24
Nickname: Starkie Club: UWA
Max FREEDMAN
Age: 21
Nickname: Fred Club: YMCC
Cambell GEDDES
Age: 22
Nickname: Geddes Club: UWA
Matt WILLIS
Age: 33
Nickname: Matt, Willo Club: Melville
Fraser HEIGH
Age: 22
Nickname: Fras Club: Whitford
Age: 24
Harry
James COLLINS (VC)
Nickname: Jimmy Club: Victoria
Nickname:
