Best U21 hockey talent selected in Jillaroos and Burras squads

The crop of prospective Hockeyroos and Kookaburras stars have been identified following the selection of the Australian Junior (Under 21) Men’s (Burras) and Women’s (Jillaroos) squads.

Squads of 27 athletes were named by Jillaroos Head Coach Stacia Strain and Burras counterpart Jay Stacy following the recent Hockey Australia Under 21 Championships in Perth.

Both squads comprise a combination of higher end age players and players eligible to compete at the respective Men’s and Women’s FIH Junior World Cups in 2023.

The talent coming through the national junior ranks has seen the likes of Hannah Cullum-Sanders, Claire Colwill, Courtney Schonell and Hattie Shand all make their Hockeyroos debuts this year.

Similarly, Craig Marais, James Collins and Ky Willott broke into the current Kookaburras squad.

These group of Jillaroos and Burras athletes will be hoping to follow in a similar vein.

Strain said the future of Australian women’s hockey is in a strong position based on the competitiveness of selection.

“As well as the Australian Under 21 Championships, the selection panel took into consideration the Domestic Series on the Gold Coast and feedback from National Athlete Pathway Program coaches,” said Strain.

“Whilst some athletes selected in the National Junior Squad will not be age-eligible for the Junior World Cup in 2023, it was important for us to recognise their strong performances and identify them in the national pathway.”

“This selection enables these athletes to continue their journey and development towards becoming future Hockeyroos.”

Selection for the National Junior Men’s Squad was just as tough, highlighting the quality coming through the pathways.

“As expected, selection of the National Junior Squad was extremely difficult,” said Stacy.

“The depth of talent, skill and tactical knowledge on display was high and pleasing to see, adding to the difficulty of selecting the final squad.”

“We have chosen a balance of top age athletes and athletes that qualify for the 2023 Junior World Cup in Malaysia.

Members of the Burras squad will be competing to be selected in teams for three upcoming events that includes a two-match series against Sultana Bran Hockey One League side Canberra Chill in October, the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia in October, and the Junior World Cup Qualifier in December.

“These events provide fantastic exposure to international competition whilst gaining valuable experience at peer level,” said Stacy.

“I am excited to work with such a talented group of athletes who possess vital elements of successful teams, defensive determination, team first attitude, creativity and flair, strong exponents of penalty corner attack and defence, and a growth mindset.”