Under 18 National Championships Conclude with NSW Securing Top Honours
Published Mon 14 Jul 2025
The 2025 Under 18 National Championships took over Perth from 4 to 12 July, with matches played across Perth Hockey Stadium and Melville Toyota Hockey Stadium. Hockey NSW was proudly represented by four teams, two men’s sides and two women’s sides, who competed well on the national stage and produced plenty of highlights across nine days of competition.
For the NSW Blues Men, the tournament was a story of resilience and a strong finish. After a challenging start, the team hit their stride late, posting convincing wins against ACT 7-1 and Vic Development 6-0 before closing their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Northern Territory in the 9/12 classification match. Their impressive comeback secured a ninth-place finish and showcased the determination and growth of a developing squad.
The NSW State Men opened their campaign in amazing form, winning their first three matches to top Pool A. A heartbreaking 2-3 shootout loss to Queensland in the Repechage proved a turning point, with two further defeats pushing the team into the 7/8 classification match. Showing pride and character, the men bounced back to defeat Victoria 5-2, finishing seventh overall. Despite the setbacks, this group displayed undeniable talent and team spirit, hallmarks of future representative success.
On the women’s side, the NSW Blues, coached by NSW Pride team manager Katrina Cochrane and managed by current Pride player Miri Maroney, entered the tournament focused on building culture and connections. They fought hard throughout the week, delivering competitive performances before going down 0-2 to ACT in the 7/8 classification match to finish eighth overall. The experience and growth within this team will serve as a strong foundation for future campaigns.
The standout performance of the Championships came from the NSW State Women, who claimed National Championship glory in emphatic style. Guided by experienced coaches Peter Shea and Andrew Parker, the team dominated early, highlighted by a 6-0 win over Tasmania, before a loss to Queensland in the Repechage served as a wake-up call. From that point on, NSW surged through the finals, defeating WA Black and WA Gold to book a place in the decider against Victoria. The Gold Medal match lived up to expectations, a tense contest ultimately sealed by NSW in the third quarter. A complete defensive effort in the final period ensured a 2-1 victory and the title of National Champions.
The success of the State Women was further underlined by Kalahni Crews being named Player of the Championship after an outstanding campaign.
NSW’s influence was not limited to players. Umpires Sarah Willis and Toby Power made their mark on the tournament by officiating the Women’s Bronze Medal Match and Men’s Gold Medal Match respectively, an incredible achievement and testament to the strength of NSW officials on the national stage.
Adding to the experience, players benefited from guidance by several current and former Hockeyroos and Kookaburras, including Grace Stewart, Alana Kavanagh, Maddi Smith, Mariah Williams, Grace Young, Abby Wilson and Jocelyn Bartram, who provided invaluable advice and encouragement throughout the Championships.
Hockey NSW extends its sincere thanks to Hockey Australia, Click inFocus, our coaching staff, umpires, players, and the many sponsors and families whose dedication and support made this campaign possible.
Congratulations to all our athletes for representing NSW with passion, pride and determination in Perth. This year’s Under 18 National Championships will be remembered not just for results, but for the character, teamwork and future promise of our players.
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