Powell announces Hockeyroos squad for China series

Another two players will debut for the Hockeyroos after Head Coach Katrina Powell named the squad for the upcoming 3-match series against China to be played in Bunbury and Perth in Western Australia on 23, 25 and 26 March.

Queenslanders Tatum Stewart and Morgan Gallagher (pictured above) will become the latest players to represent the Hockeyroos after five (Grace Young, Zoe Newman, Maddison Brooks, Maddison Smith and Abby Wilson) debuted across the last two FIH Pro League ‘mini tournaments’ in Sydney and Hobart.

Stewart will make her first appearance after being named as one of the five final additions to the 2023 Hockeyroos squad, while Gallagher, who is part of the Women’s National Development Squad, gets her chance on the senior international stage.

“Morgan is a well-rounded player,” said Powell on Gallagher, who was involved in Australian Development Tours in 2018.

“She’s got good core skills, good awareness, she’s also a great team person and sees the game really well so I’m pleased that after a number of years working really hard towards achieving this goal, she is getting her opportunity.”

Powell has been buoyed by the Hockeyroos’ performances in the eight internationals they have played so far this year as the buildup continues to August’s Oceania Cup against New Zealand, which doubles as Olympic qualifiers.

“It has been really pleasing to give five athletes the opportunity to play for Australia and debut for the Hockeyroos…and then for Tatum and Morgan to debut against China,” said Powell.

“Considering the results we have had in the Pro League, we’re really pleased with the depth of talent in Australian women’s hockey and it shows there are plenty of players up to that level of ability.

“We’re working towards the Oceania Cup, so having this broad base of players helps us to make sure we are heading in the right direction.”

“Some of those who have debuted this year will get another opportunity to show what they can do and build on that experience.”

“We want to make sure we’re going into the Oceania Cup and 2024 with the right players to be successful.”

Veteran Jane Claxton, defender Maddy Fitzpatrick and goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram also return after missing the Pro League series in Hobart. Claxton will captain the team against China and Powell said her addition of 212 international matches would be invaluable to the Hockeyroos’ younger less experienced brigade.

“I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love having Jane Claxton on their team,” said Powell.

“From an organisation and leadership perspective…Jane is competitive, she gets things done and is about action, so it’s great to have her experience back in the group for these matches.”

The opening match of the series will be at the Bunbury Hockey Stadium on 23 March, with the following two encounters to be played on 25-26 March at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University.

Tickets to each of the Hockeyroos’ three matches against China are on sale now, with kids under 12 receiving free entry.

The 3-match series will be broadcast LIVE on beIN Sports and LIVEHockey.

Hockeyroos Squad for China Series

Hockeyroos v China Series
Match 1 Thursday 23 March 2023  
Bunbury Hockey Stadium  
Start time 6pm (gates open 4:30pm)  
PURCHASE TICKETS

Match 2
Saturday 25 March  
Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University  
Start time: 4pm (gates open 2:30pm)  
PURCHASE TICKETS

Match 3
Sunday 26 March  
Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University  
Start time: 4pm (gates open 2:30pm)  
PURCHASE TICKETS