Burras and Jillaroos revealed for penultimate Junior World Cup showdown

The countdown is on for Australia’s Under-21 National Hockey teams, the Jillaroos and Burras, with both coaches naming squads loaded with experience ahead of the penultimate Junior World Cup showdown in Europe.

Both programs have named their 2025 Under-21 National Squads, as well as the 18-strong lineups which will tour Europe in June, following a high-quality Under-21 National Championships in Bendigo, Victoria, two weeks ago.

Burras coach Jay Stacy’s retained 14 of the 18 players who qualified the men’s junior national side for November’s World Cup in India, at the Oceania Qualifiers in January.

“We’ve selected a wide variety of talented athletes, who all tick a lot of boxes, and a group that we know will complement each other on the pitch,” Jay said.

“The squad will be a highly competitive environment, particularly as we announce our European Tour team, have the Johor Cup in October and then select the best possible Australian team to contest the Junior World Cup in December.”

WA’s Matthew Van Selm is set to make his debut after captaining the WA Under-21 Men’s team to a historic fourth-straight gold in Bendigo. The three-time gold medallist will join three of his state counterparts in the Burras.

Joining Matthew on debut after standout showings in Bendigo is Victorian striker Duncan Jackson and Tassie defender Jack Pritchard, who will join his cousin, Oscar, on the tour to Europe.

“We’ve got a lot of penalty corner firepower with Ian Grobbelaar, Dylan Downey and Oliver Stebbings. They’re a trio that will also bring a lot of experience to what is a strong side, but one that hasn’t had great exposure to top European nations like the Netherlands, Belgium and current U21 World Champions Germany,” Jay added.

“It will be an unknown for many of our players, but that’s what also makes it a fantastic experience and perfect timing, as we prepare to make decisions ahead of our biggest test of the year in India at the end of November.”

Competition for a spot at the Junior World Cup will also be high in the Jillaroos, as Head Coach Tim Strapp names 12 of the players who qualified the women’s side for the World Cup and five in-form debutants.

Tassie twins Maddison and Taylor Brooks will link up for the very first time in the junior side, after Taylor earned her debut following an impressive outing at the Under-21 National Championships. 

Taylor will join her twin sister Maddi, who is in the Hockeyroos squad but remains eligible for Jillaroos selection under the age bracket.

Also on debut is WA’s Madison Naish, whose journey to the Jillaroos accelerated after making Hockey Australia’s Futures Squad last year.

“I was at school, and I put off checking my emails all morning until I was sitting with my best friends at recess,” Madison recalled.

“I couldn’t find my name on the email announcing the Jillaroos squad, but my best friend did, and she was screaming saying, “You got in!” I just couldn't really believe it, I’m over the moon.”

Having dreamed of playing hockey for Australia since she was little, Madison grew up juggling hockey, school, life and athletics, specialising in 400m hurdles and placing second at the Australian National Championships two years ago.

“I remember seeing [Jillaroo] Josie Lawton’s name on both hockey and athletics sheets when I was younger and thinking “Damn, that’s cool!” And it turns out I’ve done the same,” Madison added.

“It’s so surreal to be in the same team as Josie and Maddi Brooks too, and other girls I’ve looked up to for a while.

“I often journal about my games and reflect. I’m going to go into this with the mentality of enjoying it, being brave on the field and giving it my all. I’m excited and I’m going to enjoy every moment.”

The Jillaroos start their tour with a training camp in Antwerp, Belgium, before competing in a four nations tournament in Berlin from 20 – 24 June.

The Burras play Belgium and the Netherlands before contesting a four nations tournament in Berlin from 10 – 27 June.