What we learned from round four…

Three headed monster

According to Greek mythology, the term ‘Chimera’ was used to describe a mythical hybrid creature, with the head of a lion, a goat’s body and a serpent’s tail. Canterbury men appear to have developed their own contemporary version headed by reigning Player of the Year Lachie Rogers, a home-grown product of the Lions academy set to head to his second Junior World Cup next year. The current Premier League side is also built around the body of ex-OHA and University penalty corner specialist Tyler McDonald and completed with the attacking venom of former-Derwent star Ruben Hoey, forming its own three-headed beast. The Lions sit undefeated after four matches, having also wiped last year’s failed back five outletting structures in favour of a more traditional set up with the ball. History states that Bellerophon was able to slay the Chimera using an innovative tactic, with a spear mounted with a block of lead that melted inside the beast’s throat under its hot breath. It’ll be interesting to see how Premier League rivals strategise to suffocate the Lions key trio.

Graduates top of the communications class

Not content with back-to-back on field titles, North-West Graduates are looking to now claim the title for best off-field team as well, making a splash across social media and dominating the online promotion contest. Despite having a relatively smaller following on social platforms at the start of the season, Graduates are making headway by simply recognising the milestones of key Premier League players in recent weeks and consistently making key personnel available to the media rain, hail or shine. Add in the dedication of the club committee, supported by photographer John O’Keefe, to produce a weekly newsletter to supporters each Saturday night. These actions may appear simply bread and butter but have significantly increased engagement and connection with their growing band of loyal supporters. As the saying goes, ‘imitation is the greatest form of flattery’ and others would do well to prioritise communications tactics that galvanises their community and fosters more avid fans.

Student wins Star of the Week

University Hockey Club historians were scrambling on Saturday night to determine whether their 12-0 defeat of Derwent women was a club record but could only confirm it as a record in the Premier League era for the club. But beneath the combined ten-goal haul from their Argentinian contingent, was an incredibly gritty and composed two goal individual effort from teenager Harriet Sproule. Whilst youngsters such as Prue Clark and Ellie Sproule have impressed for University, Harriet’s work ethic and team-oriented decision making stood out. It was fitting that she claimed the Liv Sproule Memorial Award, as the player who best demonstrated courage and resilience through the women’s round. Sproule comes from a family where sport runs in their veins but looks set to create a sporting legacy in her own right.

Fortune favours the brave

Queenslander Jade Smith made a brave decision to sign for the Tassie Tigers in last year’s Hockey One League to gain more opportunity and the move has paid dividends. The talented striker earned a call up for Australia A’s final two matches in the Women’s series involving the Hockeyroos, China and Japan. The A side, coached by Tasmanian Institute of Sport coach Tim Strapp, fell 3-1 to the Hockeyroos on Saturday night.