Geraldton country week hockey without a division 1 men’s squad but hopes to chase success in lower divisions

Only one week after Geraldton women proved they’re at the top of the regional hockey food chain, the men will be hoping to repeat their success.

While the women sent down four teams across the top two divisions and masters divisions, the men will send only one squad competing in the 10-team third division.

Geraldton Hockey Association president Warrick Sullivan said the decision to move country week away from the June long weekend meant a division 1 squad could not be sent this year.

“In years past, HockeyWA has held the event on the June long weekend, allowing us to recruit many of the Geraldton players who work in heavy industry and commercial sectors,” he said.

“We plan to work with HockeyWA and the other regions to find a solution going forward, but for 2023, unfortunately, we could not get a division 1 side together.

“This trend also appears to be affecting other regions, with only three division 1 sides nominating for division 1 this year.”

Geraldton will be in pool B along with Central Great Southern Hockey Association, Eastern Districts, Margaret River and Upper Great Southern.

The top two in each division will go straight through to the grand final on Sunday meaning Geraldton needs to win their group if they are to claim the crown.

Much like the women’s squad the men’s is a mixture of youth and Sullivan hopes this side could form the blueprint for future success in division 1.

“Predominantly the side is comprised of up-and-coming juniors and under-21 players, capped off with some senior members to provide guidance and experience on the field,” he said.

“We hope this to become a future division 1 side and build our country week numbers from it.”

All of Geraldton’s Friday games will be played at Perth Hockey Stadium’s 1 ground and can be watched live on Streamer at www.streamer.com.au.

Men’s country week squad

Ben Ingle Xander Pieterse Mathew Chamberlain Darcy Ingle Riley West Mac Hoefhamer

Warrick Sullivan

Jarrod Purcher Louis Simpson Sean Mathews Dan Shilling Tim Woods Jake Tonkin Mitch Russell David Russell

Josh Patterson