2023 Perth Thundersticks Program | Round 6

PERTH

ROUND 6 V NSW PRIDE SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2023

THUNDERSTICKS MATCH-DAY PROGRAM

PERTH THUNDERSTICKS MATCH-DAY PROGRAM

Match Preview | Perth Thundersticks vs NSW Pride

With just two rounds to go until the 2023 JDH Hockey One Finals series, the Perth Thundersticks are looking build momentum in crucial matches against NSW Pride.

Men's After securing a critical 3-0 win over Adelaide Fire last weekend, the Perth Thundersticks will be looking to continue salvaging their 2023 campaign when they return home to Perth Hockey Stadium.

However, the Thundersticks will face an uphill battle going up against the competition's top side in NSW Pride.

The Thundersticks clawed their way back into the top four after keeping the Fire scoreless during their round four match-up at MATE Stadium on Sunday.

In a high-pressure contest, Matt Willis pulled off the Thundersticks' first field goal and conversion for the season, while James Day added to his penalty corner tally with a fifth goal for the season to seal the deal.

While the team will be riding high from the win, there's no time for rest as the Thundersticks look to solidify their spot in the finals and try to pull off an upset over the Pride.

Head coach Craig Wilson while it was pleasing to come away with the win, the team was still some ways to go to be consistent.

"We often look at some other metrics behind the scenes to make sure we know the way of play as we tweak it and we're getting more opportunities to score," he said.

“Sometimes the finishing touch isn't there and [Sunday] was one of those days but we'll go away and work on it.”

ROUND 6 V NEW SOUTH WALES PRIDE I SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2023

PERTH THUNDERSTICKS MATCH-DAY PROGRAM

"We're pretty aware that passing one test doesn't make you a Rhodes Scholar so we've got a bit of work to do and to be consistent in the next couple of games."

NSW Pride have already secured their spot in the finals, currently sitting atop the ladder, yet to drop a game off the back of a shootout victory over Tassie Tigers 1-1 (5-4 SO).

The reigning gold medallists have once again emerged as the team to beat for the men's competition, racking up convincing wins over Brisbane Blaze (7-3), Hockey Club Melbourne (11-2) and Canberra Chill (3-2) along the way.

With the likes of Blake Govers (five goals), Ky Willott (four goals), Jack Hayes and Timothy Brand (three goals) among a collective of NSW players to have scored multiple goals this season so far, the Thundersticks defenders will have their work cut out for them on Sunday.

Women's The Perth Thundersticks women's team might have become the first side to secure a spot in the finals but they will need to keep up their strong game structures as they look to extend their undefeated streak to a fifth week.

The Thundersticks remain atop the JDH Hockey One Women's ladder with a 4-0 record, following their convincing 4-0 victory over Adelaide Fire last weekend.

In a dynamic contest, the Thundersticks held off the almighty efforts from the Fire, with Liné Malan scoring a field goal and conversion, Lexie Pickering capitalising off a penalty corner, Elyssa Melville opening up her Hockey One account on debut.

While the clean-sheet win saw the Thundersticks punch their ticket to Canberra, there will be no resting on their laurels when they take on the NSW Pride.

Perth Thundersticks player Shanea Tonkin said she has noticed a positive change within the squad throughout the season.

ROUND 6 V NEW SOUTH WALES PRIDE I SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2023

PERTH THUNDERSTICKS MATCH-DAY PROGRAM

"Every game is a fight and every game has a bit more pressure but the girls are really stepping up to the challenge," she said.

"There's been a change this year where everyone's really eager, really in it and we're so competitive and it's so nice to be a part of it."

NSW Pride will be out to prove themselves as finals contenders when they go up against the Thundersticks, currently sitting in fifth place on the ladder with two wins, a shootout loss and a loss to their name.

While they currently sit outside the top four, the Pride cannot be counted out after notching a huge 8-1 win over Tassie Tigers last weekend.

As the Thundersticks continue to put the pressure on the competition, they will need to ensure they make a fast start and keep the likes of Laura Reid (six goals), Greta Hayes and Makayla Jones (two goals) quiet.

ROUND 6 V NEW SOUTH WALES PRIDE I SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2023

CAN’T MAKE IT TO THE GAME? WATCH EVERY GAME

STREAM NOW

1 3 4 5 6 9 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 25 26

Matt BIRD Tim GEERS Jake HARVIE Tom WICKHAM Bryn DE BES James DAY Tom HARVIE Brayden KING Matt WILLIS Liam FLYNN Brodee FOSTER Aran ZALEWSKI (C) Ben RENNIE (GK) Trent MITTON James COLLINS

IN: FOSTER, MITTON | OUT: MURRAY, MAIN

1.30PM SUN 12 NOV | PERTH HOCKEY STADIUM

PERTH THUNDERSTICKS MATCH-DAY PROGRAM

PERTH

THUNDERSTICKS MEN’S SQUAD 1.Matt BIRD DOB: 19/11/1996 Nickname: Birdy Club: Fremantle Cockburn

Do you have any pre-game superstitions? If so, what are they: Always wear double socks, first layer has to be Australian socks.

Which other sport/s would you play if you couldn't play hockey anymore: Does fishing count?

2. Will BATTISTESSA DOB: 23/04/1998 Nickname: Wilba Club: Victoria Park Xavier

Your favourite hockey memory: Playing a season in England.

When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up: Ice-cream taster.

3. Tim GEERS DOB: 27/04/1994 Nickname: Geersy Club: Melville City

When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up: WWE wrestler.

Something about you that would surprise people: Outside of hockey, I'm heavily involved with owning and training racehorses.

4. Jake HARVIE DOB: 05/03/1998 Nickname: Specs or Snakeo Club: Westside Wolves

Your favourite hockey memory: Playing for the Thundersticks with my brother Tom and winning two Commonwealth Games with the Kookaburras.

Your favourite show to binge-watch: The Office.

5. Tom WICKHAM DOB: 26/05/1990 Nickname: TJ Club: UWA

Which of your team members is your favourite to warm up with: I like warming up the GK's.

Do you come from a hockey family?

My mum played when I was a child.

That's how I got into hockey in the first place.

ROUND 6 V NEW SOUTH WALES PRIDE I SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2023

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6. Bryn DE BES DOB: 04/07/1996 Nickname: Brynno Club: WASP

Celebrity you'd most like to meet: Patrick Cripps.

Something about you that would surprise people: II was an actor in a Bollywood movie, Soorma, which is on Netflix.

7. Tyler LOVELL DOB: 23/05/1987 Nickname: Big T Club: YMCC

Do you have any pre-game superstitions? If so, what are they: Sit down and relax with a coffee.

Your go-to coffee order: Long black.

8. Marshall PUZEY DOB: 26/02/1999 Nickname: Mildura, Vic Club: YMCC

Your favourite turf to play on in WA and why: YM Stadium - home of the mighty YMCC. Celebrity you'd most like to meet: Kevin Hart.

9. James DAY DOB: 26/06/1994 Nickname: Daisy Club: Melville City

Your favourite hockey memory: Melville's first premiership.

Something about you that would surprise people: Eat Maccas before games.

10. Josh BOWEN DOB: 25/01/1997 Nickname: JB Club: Hale

11. Tom HARVIE DOB: 01/02/2000 Nickname: Harvs Club: Westside Wolves

When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up: Professional tennis player.

Your favourite turf to play on in WA and why: Hale Turf - I've scored the most goals there!

Your go-to coffee order: I don't drink coffee so a hot/iced chocolate.

Something about you that would surprise people: I love fishing.

ROUND 6 V NEW SOUTH WALES PRIDE I SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2023

PERTH THUNDERSTICKS MATCH-DAY PROGRAM 12. Alistair MURRAY DOB: 22/01/2000 Nickname: Muz Club: Westside Wolves

Something about you that would surprise people: My first primary school in the country had less than 10 kids in it when I was there.

Do you have any pre-game superstitions? If so, what are they: I like to drink coconut water.

13. Brayden KING DOB: 20/03/1998 Nickname: Kingy Club:Hale

Your favourite hockey memory: Scoring my first Hockey One goal!

Something about you that would surprise people: I can beat Josh Bowen in tennis.

14. Matt WILLIS DOB: 21/02/1991 Nickname: Matt/Willo Club: Melville City

Your go-to coffee order: Anything but coffee.

Something about you that would surprise people: I have umpired an international hockey match.

15. Liam FLYNN DOB: 30/04/1997 Nickname: Rowdy

Club: Hale

Your favourite show to binge-watch: Yellowstone.

Your favourite turf to play on in WA and why: Hale - home club bias.

16. Brodee FOSTER DOB: 21/06/2002 Nickname: Brod Club: Reds

Which other sport/s would you play if you couldn't play hockey anymore: Golf for sure.

Your favourite turf to play on in WA and why: Aquinas when it's wet. Just nice and slick, easy to do everything on.

17. Aran ZALEWSKI DOB: 21/03/1991 Nickname: Moose Club: Reds

Your favourite hockey memory: Playing in the muddy grass of Margaret River.

Something about you that would surprise people: Love my cooking.

ROUND 6 V NEW SOUTH WALES PRIDE I SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2023

PERTH THUNDERSTICKS MATCH-DAY PROGRAM 18. Ben RENNIE DOB: 28/09/1990 Nickname: Rennie Club: Fremantle Cockburn

Which other sport/s would you play if you couldn't play hockey anymore: I would love to give Ice Hockey a go!

Celebrity you'd most like to meet: Michael Jordan - I have a feeling he would have some great stories!

20. Frank MAIN DOB: 06/01/1992 Nickname: Franky Club: UWA

Your favourite show to bingewatch: Succession Something about you that might surprise people: I went to Chandigarh to be in a Bollywood hockey movie called Soorma which is on Netflix!

23. Cam GEDDES DOB: 18/06/2002 Nickname: Geddes Club: UWA

Your go-to coffee order: English Breakfast.

Something about you that might surprise people: I'm good at Rubik's cubes

25. Trent MITTON DOB: 26/11/1990 Nickname: Mitts Club: WASP

26. James COLLINS DOB: 25/02/2000 Nickname: Jimmy Club: Victoria Park Xavier

Do you come from a hockey family or are you the only player: Father and Grandfather played hockey for Australia. Brother has played 300 games for WASPs. When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up: Chef Your favourite show to bingewatch: I enjoy binge-watching The Mentalist and The Office (US) Something about you that would surprise people: I won a hip hop dance award when I was young.

ROUND 6 V NEW SOUTH WALES PRIDE I SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2023

PERTH THUNDERSTICKS MATCH-DAY PROGRAM

#BREAKTHEICE at Perth Thundersticks' final home clash

As we approach the business end of the 2023 JDH Hockey One season and the Perth Thundersticks' last home game, Hockey WA and Outside the Locker Room are teaming up to raise awareness for mental health and #BREAKTHEICE. In the midst of the elite hockey action on display when the Thundersticks take on NSW Pride at Perth Hockey Stadium on Sunday 12 November, Hockey WA and Outside the Locker Room (OTLR) will be cohosting a fundraising event with multiple activities to raise awareness and funds for mental health.

Activities set to be on offer throughout the day include a merchandise and education marquee, a chance to rub shoulders with some of WA's sporting stars, and ice bath plunging on Thunder Hill.

If you wish to be part of the ice bath plunging, register your participation HERE. Attendees are also encouraged to post on social media by tagging Outside the Locker Room (@OTLR) and using the hashtags #BREAKTHEICE, #OTLR, and #CHANGINGTHEGAME. Since 2015, OTLR has been changing the game for mental health in sport by delivering menta wellbeing education and support programs for local communities across Australia, in sporting clubs, schools and businesses.

Nine people die by suicide every day in Australia, and we MUST change that. It takes just one person to check in and support a mate. Be that one person.

For more information and to donate to Outside the Locker Room, visit their website.

ROUND 6 V NEW SOUTH WALES PRIDE I SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2023

1 Pippa MORGAN 3 Neasa FLYNN 4 Elyssa MELVILLE 6 Sarah BYRNES 7 Penny SQUIBB 8 Georgia WILSON 9 Shanea TONKIN 10 Jesse REID 11 Rachel FRUSHER (C) 12 Liné MALAN 14 Elizabeth DUGUID (GK) 17 Annie GIBBS 18 Renee ROCKLIFF 19 Georgina DOWD 20 Karri SOMERVILLE IN: FLYNN | OUT: PICKERING

3.00PM SUN 12 NOV | PERTH HOCKEY STADIUM

PERTH THUNDERSTICKS MATCH-DAY PROGRAM

PERTH

THUNDERSTICKS WOMEN’S SQUAD 1. Pippa MORGAN DOB: 20/05/1998 Nickname: Pip Club: UWA

Favourite hockey memory: Playing Bunbury carnival as a junior.

Something about you that would surprise people: I'm a vegetarian for sustainability reasons but I work in oil and gas.

2. Kayla O'SULLIVAN DOB: 27/03/2001 Nickname: Kimmy Club: Victoria Park Xavier

Celebrity you'd most like to meet: Michael B Jordan.

Your favourite turf to play on in WA and why: Perth Hockey Stadium - not as hard on the legs.

3. Neasa FLYNN DOB: 13/08/2001 Nickname: Neas Club: UWA

When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up: Vet. What are you most excited for this Hockey One season: Playing with a great bunch of girls again and getting the opportunity to win a flag.

4. Elyssa MELVILLE DOB: 04/07/2004

Which of your team members is your favourite to warm up with: Whoever's around when I finally get my kit on since I'm usually the last one ready.

Something about you that would surprise people: Scary movies put me to sleep.

Nickname: Lys

Club: Whitford

6. Sarah BYRNES DOB: 19/10/2000 Nickname: Byrnesy Club: Hale

Your go-to coffee order: Almond long mac.

Do you have any pre-game superstitions? If so, what are they: Always re-tie my shoelaces after putting my shinnies on.

ROUND 6 V NEW SOUTH WALES PRIDE I SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2023

PERTH THUNDERSTICKS MATCH-DAY PROGRAM

7. Penny SQUIBB DOB: 09/02/1993 Nickname: Squibb Club: Curtin University

8. Georgia WILSON DOB: 20/05/1996 Nickname: Willow Club: Victoria Park Xavier

9. Shanea TONKIN DOB: 28/04/1997 Nickname: Nays or Nae Club: North Coast Raiders

Your favourite hockey memory: Playing my first international game at home here in Perth in 2019 against Great Britain.

Your favourite show to binge-watch: Any - recently just finished The Quarterback on Netflix which is pretty good.

Your go-to coffee order: Chamomile tea.

Something about you that would surprise people: I've never drunk alcohol.

Do you come from a hockey family or are you the only player: My whole family plays hockey whether it's social, club, state or for Australia.

Very family orientated for me.

Celebrity you'd most like to meet: Dua Lipa.

10. Jesse REID DOB: 13/12/2000 Nickname: Jess Club: UWA

Your favourite show to binge-watch: Grey's Anatomy.

Do you come from a hockey family or are you the only player: Hockey is in my blood. Grandad (dad's side) and mother both wore green and gold. #slay

11. Rachel FRUSHER DOB: 13/02/1994

When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up: Gymnast.

Something about you that would surprise people: I played college hockey in America for Maryland University.

Nickname: Frush

Club: Victoria Park Xavier

12. Liné MALAN DOB: 20/06/1992 Nickname: Lion or Linnie

Club: Hale

Something about you that would surprise people: I can speak three languages.

Which other sport/s would you play if you couldn't play hockey anymore: Probably do Triathlons or play golf or tennis

ROUND 6 V NEW SOUTH WALES PRIDE I SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2023

PERTH THUNDERSTICKS MATCH-DAY PROGRAM

13. Lexie PICKERING DOB: 26/06/2001 Nickname: Sexy Lexie Club: UWA

Your favourite hockey memory: Scoring the winning goal at an U/11 carnival in Lithgow. We were playing on grass in -5 degrees, and our opposition were wearing pyjama pants. Hockey at its finest.

14. Elizabeth DUGUID DOB: 01/07/1992 Nickname: Lizzy Club: WASP

Which of your team members is your favourite to warm up with: Anyone who is willing to warm up the goalie!

Something about you that would surprise people: I'm 5th generation Darwin Chinese.

15. Bellé RAMSHAW DOB: 15/11/2002 Nickname: N/A Club: UWA

Your favourite turf to play on in WA and why: UWA Superturf because it has a home feeling to me and always has a good atmosphere.

Something about you that would surprise people: I have my forklift licence.

16. Saysha PILLAY DOB: 31/05/2004 Nickname: Saysh Club: UWA

Something about you that would surprise people: I'm a citizen of 3 different countries.

Your favourite hockey memory: Winning silver with U/21s in Perth.

17. Annie GIBBS DOB: 20/05/1998 Nickname: N/A Club: North Coast Raiders

Your favourite hockey memory: First state trip in Alice Springs.

When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up: Paramedic.

Your go-to coffee order: Small almond cap extra shot ALWAYS Your favourite show to binge-watch: Nickname: Ren Quite embarrassing but The Great Club: Victoria Park Xavier British Bake-Off. 18. Renee ROCKLIFF DOB: 31/03/1999

ROUND 6 V NEW SOUTH WALES PRIDE I SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2023

PERTH THUNDERSTICKS MATCH-DAY PROGRAM

19. Georgina DOWD DOB: 25/10/2001 Nickname: G

Club: Suburban Lions

Your favourite hockey memory: Scoring in the first minute of Thundersticks vs Canberra last year in Hockey One. An amazing feeling to play a game at such a high level, alongside amazing people and good quality players.

20. Karri SOMERVILLE DOB: 07/04/1999 Nickname: Karri Club: Victoria Park Xavier

When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up: A farmer.

Something about you that would surprise people: I only buy clothes from the op-shop.

22. Anna ROBERTS DOB: 07/08/1996 Nickname: Anna Club: North Coast Raiders

Your go-to coffee order: Cup of tea.

Do you come from a hockey family or are you the only player: My brother and I used to play together, but not much hockey in the family.

23. Lou-Ellen EDWARDS DOB: Nickname: Lou Club: UWA

Your favourite hockey memory: Under 21s Grand final in Perth- incredibly special having all my family and friends there to watch me do what I love.

Your favourite show to binge watch: Stranger Things

24. Britney DESILVA DOB: 31/03/2002 Nickname: Brit/Britty Club: UWA

Your favourite hockey memory: Playing in the U/21 gold medal match in front of a huge Perth crowd in 2022.

Celebrity you'd most like to meet: Hamish Blake and/or Andy Lee.

😅

ROUND 6 V NEW SOUTH WALES PRIDE I SUNDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2023

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