Geraldton Hockey Association in good hands as local action returns in full following country week titles

The Geraldton Hockey Association will be back to full action this weekend after a successful fortnight for both men and women at their respective country week competitions.

The women secured the Division 1 crown for the first time since 2018 while the men secured division three having sent only one side down on the weekend.

While the wins themselves are reasons for celebration there is also plenty of excitement already looking ahead to next year’s tournament with both sides relying heavily on youth players.

Although veteran Dirrarnie Kirby rightly came away with the player of the tournament, particularly for her efforts in the semifinal shootout coach Paul Valenti believes the rapid development of the younger squad members was key to success.

“The rapport and chemistry among players created a strong sense of camaraderie which was essential to how we performed and I believe it was driven by a great mixture of youth and experience across the field,” he said.

“The team’s willingness to embrace new tactics and game plan shone out and the growth and increased confidence of some of the younger players over three days of hockey was awesome to see.”

With many in the squad untested at the top level Valenti said there were no expectations heading into the competition but following their success plenty more titles could be on the way.

“We took a side that was perceived to be ‘under-strength’ and therefore we had no expectations and look how they performed,” he said.

“If an ‘under-strength’ team can perform like that, then Geraldton hockey is in good hands, all of this team could go around again next year and considering the youth element to the side, these girls will only get better.”

On the men’s side, lower numbers due to the tournament being moved away from the long weekend meant only a division three side could be sent but it had a clear goal with president and player Warrick Sullivan stating: “We hope this to become a future division one side.”

Given they went through the tournament undefeated planning for that pathway appears to be ahead of schedule.

In the meantime, this weekend will see a blockbuster second grand final rematch between Rovers and Casuals on Saturday as the Casuals look to go nine in a row with a perfect season not out of the question with no one coming close to them so far this season.