Hockey Australia names experienced coaches to lead National Indoor teams

Extensive Indoor World Cup experience shapes the new coaching lineup set to guide the men’s and women’s national indoor teams through to the 2029 Indoor World Cup.

Former men’s indoor national coach Brett Herrington and former national captain Jonathan Stebbings will lead the women’s and men’s teams, with Hockey Australia and the Hockey Australia Indoor Committee today announcing the fresh appointments.

Having recently led the Men’s National Indoor Team to sixth at the 2025 Indoor World Cup, Brett Herrington will now bring his extensive experience and leadership to the Women’s National Indoor Team, as they set their sights on the 2029 World Cup.

Jonathan, who represented Australia at two Indoor World Cups in 2003 and 2007, will link up with his former teammate and now Assistant Coach Matthew Hotchkis, who has represented Australia at four Indoor World Cups, including the 2025 edition under Brett.

The men’s national coaching appointments are the latest in the duo’s coaching careers, which includes a bronze as Assistant Coach of the Australian women’s team at the 2023 Azlan Shah Tournament and experience in the German and Scottish leagues for Jonathan.

Matthew takes on the role having been an Assistant Coach of the Hockey One League’s Canberra Chill since 2022 and with over a decade’s worth of experience in ACT’s Senior Indoor Program.

Hockey Australia extends its sincere gratitude to Emma McLeish, who resigned as Head Coach of the Women’s Indoor National Team, after guiding the side to ninth place at the Indoor World Cup. 

Emma stepped up to the Head Coach position in 2024, just months before the World Cup, accelerating her coaching experience after retiring from international competition in 2023.

A five-time World Cup athlete and coach, Emma is turning her attention to a career and commitments outside of hockey.

The Hockey Australia Indoor Committee will commence recruitment for the Women’s Assistant Coach position shortly.

Women’s Indoor National Head Coach - Brett Herrington

Career highlights:
•    Head Coach, Australian Men’s Indoor Team – 2025 FIH Indoor World Cup
•    Leader in Queensland indoor development across junior and senior levels
•    Contributor to national indoor high-performance and planning frameworks

Men’s Indoor National Head Coach – Jonathan Stebbings

Career highlights:
•    Captain, Australian Indoor Team (1995–2007); Indoor World Cup in 2007
•    Coaching experience in Scottish and German leagues
•    Domestic coaching roles with Hawthorn, Mentone (PL Women), and Waverley (PL)
•    Head Coach, Australian Women’s Team – 2023 Azlan Shah Tournament (Bronze)
•    National talent development contributor across multiple states

Men’s Indoor National Assistant Coach – Matthew Hotchkis

Career highlights:
•    Represented Australia at four FIH Indoor World Cups, most recently in 2025
•    Assistant Coach, Canberra Chill (Hockey One) since 2022
•    Coach and player, Central CL1 Men (Premiership 2022; Assistant Coach 2023–2024)
•    Over a decade of leadership in ACT’s Senior Indoor Program