PERTH THUNDERSTICKS TEAM SELECTION: ROUND 2 V CANBERRA CHILL
MEN’S MATCH
Blaze, the Perth Thundersticks Mens team are fired up to make a statement as they return to home turf.
Set to face the Canberra Chill on Sunday, 19 October, the Thundersticks are injecting fresh energy into their lineup with the debut of James Cunningham.
The UK-raised half-back brings international experience from the Euro Hockey League, where he played for England’s Old Georgians Hockey Club and helped secure a Bronze Medal in the 2023/24 season in The Netherlands.
Cunningham has also made his mark locally, playing 11 matches and scoring four goals for the Westside Wolves during the WA club season.
"It's been a really special opportunity to be part of this group and I'm proud to get the chance to represent WA," Cunningham said ahead of his debut.
"Playing in Australia has definitely been a different experience from the UK and Europe.
"The style here is more open and direct with most teams playing man marking whereas in Europe it's often more structured and tactical.
"I've
really enjoyed adapting to the Aussie way and learning from it."
Joining Cunningham in the squad is striker Brodee Foster, who returns after missing Round One due to injury.
The duo replaces Hamish and Angus Adamson, who have been omitted from this week’s lineup.
The last time Perth met Canberra, the Thundersticks nearly pulled off a dramatic comeback from four goals down, ultimately falling 3–4.
This time, they’re determined to flip the script potentially facing off against former teammate James Day, now back with the Chill after two seasons in WA.
With new talent and renewed determination, the Thundersticks are ready to ignite the home crowd and chase their first win of the season.
MEN | 2.30PM AWST PERTH HOCKEY STADIUM @ CURTIN UNIVERSITY
WOMEN’S MATCH
After a nail-biting clash with their 2024 Grand Final rivals, the Perth Thundersticks Women’s team are determined to bounce back in front of a home crowd.
Still chasing their first win of the season, the Thundersticks will face off against the Canberra Chill on Sunday, 19 October.
Head Coach Steph Andrews has challenged the team to show grit and resilience, sticking with the same line-up for this crucial match.
The last time these two sides met, the Thundersticks delivered a dominant performance, securing a record-breaking 10–3 victory on Canberra’s turf their biggest win since Hockey One adopted its current format.
Now, the reigning premiers are aiming to recapture that form and reignite their campaign with a strong showing on home soil.
WOMEN | 4.15PM AWST PERTH HOCKEY STADIUM @ CURTIN UNIVERSITY
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NEXT MATCH
SUNDAY 3 NOV V
JESSE REID
FIND
THE LEGACY LIVES ON: HONOURING WA’S GREATS, ONE STATE NUMBER AT A TIME
In Western Australian hockey, wearing the state shirt is more than just a uniform it’s a symbol of legacy, pride, and belonging. It represents a lineage that stretches back over a century, connecting generations of athletes who have proudly worn the black and gold.
To honour this rich heritage, Hockey WA has introduced a powerful initiative: assigning a unique state number to every athlete who has represented WA at the senior level. This number is more than a statistic - it’s a permanent mark of their place in WA hockey history.
The tradition begins with Albany Barrington, who first donned the state colours in 1921 and holds the prestigious number 1. For the men, Lou Beasley earned the number 1 in 1928. From these trailblazers to today’s rising stars, each number tells a story of dedication, excellence, and the enduring spirit of WA hockey.
Among these numbers are names that resonate across generations. The Capes family, for example, boasts a remarkable legacy: Michelle Capes (Hagar) (#238), Lee Capes (#240), and now Kaitlin Nobbs (#411) have all proudly represented WA. The Pearce dynasty is equally iconic, with Cecil (#121), Mel (#122), Gordon (#152), and Julian (#162) Pearce leaving an indelible mark on the sport. More recently, the Harvie brothers - Jake (#379) and Tom (#409) continue the tradition with pride and passion.
This season, the legacy became even more visible. In a powerful gesture, Perth Thundersticks players now wear their state numbers on their playing shirts—a subtle yet profound reminder that every match is part of a much larger story.
Round One of the 2025 Hockey One season saw eight new debutants join the ranks, bringing the total to 415 women and 425 men who have represented WA or the Perth Thundersticks. Each new player receives a commemorative cap and key ring engraved with their unique number - a rite of passage that connects them to the generations who came before.
One of the most touching moments of Round One didn’t happen on the field, but in the changerooms of the Queensland State Hockey Centre. Craig Davies (#226), now residing in Queensland, was welcomed by the current Thundersticks squad. Craig first represented WA in 1977 and went on to captain both WA and Australia between 1988 and 1992. A three-time Olympian and veteran of 193 games for Australia, Craig is one of WA’s most distinguished sporting figures.
Hockey WA proudly presented Craig with his number 226 cap and key ring, surrounded by today’s Thundersticks players. It was a rare and special moment past and present united. Thundersticks Head Coach Stephen “China” Davies and Captain Jake Harvie were on hand to honour Craig, whose presence served as a powerful reminder of the legacy these young athletes are now part of.
As Hockey WA continues to celebrate its storied history, the state number initiative stands as a testament to the pride, prestige, and passion of representing Western Australia.
For every playerpast, present, and future - it’s more than just a number. It’s a legacy.
