HockeyOne: Limited changes for Perth Thundersticks ahead of Melbourne trip

The Perth Thundersticks are gearing up for their next away trip, unveiling their line-ups set to travel to Melbourne this weekend.

Men’s

The Perth Thundersticks are continuing to bring in new faces as they look to build momentum off that shootout victory over Tassie Tigers, this time bringing in a new goalkeeper.

Christian Starkie is set to make his Perth Thundersticks debut and return to Hockey One for the first time since playing for Adelaide Fire in 2022.

Starkie said he was very excited to run out with the Thundersticks for the first time in a city he has never visited before.

“It will be great to play with some guys I haven’t played with in a long while, since junior state tournaments, as well as guys from my club which is always fun,” he said.

“It’s been a while since I’ve represented WA so I’m very excited.

“I think [Melbourne] is the only major Australian city I haven’t been to so I’m very excited to go over there and play.”

Starkie joined the Perth Thundersticks off the back of a premiership-winning season in the Stiles Electrical Premier League with UWA.

During the Stiles Electrical Premier League grand final, Starkie rose to the occasion during the shootout that would ultimately see UWA defeat Melville for the premiership.

The 2024 Stiles Electrical Premier League season was his first foray back into hockey since missing the 2023 season after having hip surgery.

“We found that my pelvis wasn’t shaped properly for goalkeeping, so I had surgery and was in bed for about eight weeks and managed to get back after about 10 months and then played my first hockey game almost exactly 12 months since the operation,” Starkie said.

“It’s been a long road but I’m excited to be back playing high-level hockey again.”

Starkie comes in to replace Ben Rennie, who is unavailable for Saturday’s match due to prior commitments.

Matt Bird will also make his first appearance for the 2024 season, replacing Josh Bowen, who has been omitted from the line-up.

In: Matt Bird, Christian Starkie

Out: Josh Bowen (omitted), Ben Rennie (unavailable)

Debuts: Christian Starkie (Perth Thundersticks)

Women’s

As the Perth Thundersticks Women’s team looks to notch a third consecutive win, only one change has been made to the team that will travel to Melbourne.

Bellé Ramshaw will come back into the side as the Thundersticks gear up to face off against Hockey Club Melbourne at the State Netball & Hockey Centre on Saturday 26 October.

Ramshaw returns to the line-up after previously featuring in the side that defeated Canberra Chill in Round 1.

“I’m stoked, I feel like the girls are in really good form so it’s definitely tough competition to get into this team,” Ramshaw said.

“I’m honoured to be part of it and I’m ready to give it a good crack.”

The 21-year-old said it feel surreal to be part of a team that features a high calibre of talent from international players like Eva Drummond to Hockeyroos like Penny Squibb.

“It’s unreal and that’s the level I want to be playing at week in and week out,” Ramshaw said.

“You want to be playing with these people and against these people so it’s amazing they’re here with us as well as the locals we have – as amazing as they are too.”

Ramshaw comes in to replace Georgia Wilson, who is unavailable to play due to prior commitments.

In: Bellé Ramshaw

Out: Georgia Wilson (unavailable)

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The Perth Thundersticks is proudly supported by Sharp EIT Solutions, Bravo Apples, ERM High Voltage Asset Specialists, Polytan, Session Equity, and Project Innovations.

The Perth Thundersticks Women’s program is also proudly supported by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.