Perth Thundersticks women will be chasing a hat-trick of championships when the Hockey One season begins in less than a month, with the team retaining 19 players from the squad that defeated HC Melbourne to claim back-to-back titles last year.

The Thundersticks named a squad with a mix of established stars and emerging talent, with newcomers Beatrice Bell, Bella Connelly, Sophie Nation, Emma Reid and Jaeda Ritchie adding depth in their first seasons in the competition.

The 25-player squad has also welcomed back Elyssa Melville, who returns to the Thundersticks after missing the 2025 season, and Pippa Morgan, who was sidelined last year through injury.

They will join established stars including Hockeyroos Sarah Byrnes, Neasa Flynn, Courtney Schonell and Karri Somerville, as well as veterans Line Malan and Madi Ratcliffe.

The Thundersticks became the first team to claim back-to-back Hockey One women’s championships after coming from fourth to stun minor premiers NSW Pride before defeating Melbourne 4-2 in the grand final.

The men have kept 15 players from last year in their squad of 25 as they look to bounce back from a second-last finish in 2025 and win their maiden Hockey One championship.

The incoming group is led by German midfielder Johannes Grosse and former Kookaburra Flynn Ogilvie, who returns to Hockey One after previously representing NSW Pride in 2023. Experienced recruits Ben O’Grady, from Adelaide Fire, and Daykin Stanger, from the Brisbane Blaze, will also bring valuable leadership and depth.

Jaxon Browne, Matthew Edwards, Charlie Johnston, Mitchell Pace, Jonah Pilatti and Ethan Yem will make their Hockey One debuts.

Perth Thundersticks general manager Shayley McGurk-Davy said the depth across both squads was a real positive, with strong competition for places, and a great mix of experienced players and emerging talent.

“That depth is a credit to our clubs, coaches and pathway programs that continue to develop high-quality players across the State,” she said.

“Both squads bring together proven leaders, returning champions and emerging talent.”

The Thundersticks will open their season against the Tassie Tigers in Hobart on Saturday, October 10.

They will play their first three games away as Perth Hockey Stadium in Bentley undergoes redevelopment works, before a first home game on Sunday, November 1, against the Melbourne Cobras.