HockeyOne: Perth Thundersticks make changes to squads before NSW trip

As the Perth Thundersticks get ready for their final away trip for the regular Liberty Hockey One season, both the Men’s & Women’s squads will feature several changes.

Men’s

Three familiar faces will be returning to the Perth Thundersticks as the Men’s team get ready to strengthen their case for the Liberty Hockey One finals.

Will Battistessa is set to make his return to the Hockey One turf for the first time in 2024 as he comes into the side that will face NSW Pride on Friday.

Battistessa, who returns from injury, last ran out for the Thundersticks during round seven of the 2023 season in the side’s 1-5 losing effort to eventual premiers Brisbane Blaze.

Also coming back into the side for Friday’s match is James Collins, who returns after recovering from a knee injury that saw him withdrawn from the Thundersticks’ Round 3 match against Hockey Club Melbourne.

Goalkeeper Ben Rennie will also return to the line-up, following his last appearance in the Round 2 shootout victory against Tassie Tigers.

Battistessa, Collins and Rennie come in to replace Fraser Heigh, Angus Adamson and Christian Starkie, who have all been omitted from this week’s line-up.

When the Thundersticks hosted the Pride last year, the concept of home-field advantage did not prove favourable, going down in matching 1-3 losses.

The Men’s team faced an uphill battle to keep their chances of making the finals alive and found themselves at the mercy of a dominant NSW Pride outfit.

In: Will Battistessa, Ben Rennie, James Collins

Out: Angus Adamson, Christian Starkie, Fraser Heigh (omitted)

Women’s

As the Perth Thundersticks look to maintain their strong form and remain on top of the Liberty Hockey One ladder, the Women’s squad will unveil a new debutant.

Saysha Pillay will make her Hockey One debut as she comes into the side that will face NSW Pride on Friday 8 November.

Pillay will run out for the Thundersticks for the first time since joining the team in 2023.

The 22-year-old had a strong season in WA’s Stiles Electrical Premier League with UWA Hockey Club, earning a second consecutive Grand Final berth, and has made appearances in various WA State teams as well as for the Jillaroos.

Pillay said she was very excited to make her Hockey One debut.

“Lots of nerves going around but I’m more excited than anything,” she said.

“I feel like this year has been a big step up in terms of my playing ability.

“Last year was my first year in the Perth Thundersticks so I was pretty nervous but I feel like this year I’ve settled in a bit more and I’m more familiar with the girls.”

Also returning to the Thundersticks line-up are Elizabeth Duguid, who will feature for the first time since playing a crucial role in the team earning bronze last year, and Jolie Sertorio who last appeared in the team’s Round 3 win over Hockey Club Melbourne.

Pillay, Duguid and Sertorio come in to replace Kaitlin Nobbs, Aleisha Power and Karri Somerville, who are all unavailable due to prior commitments.

In: Elizabeth Duguid, Saysha Pillay, Jolie Sertorio

Out: Kaitlin Nobbs, Aleisha Power, Karri Somerville (unavailable)

Debut: Saysha Pillay (Hockey One)

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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.