Perth Thundersticks Team Selection: Round 1 vs Brisbane Blaze

The countdown is on — the 2025 One Active Hockey One season is just days away, and the Perth Thundersticks are locked and loaded for Friday night’s explosive season opener against Brisbane Blaze!

Men’s

The Perth Thundersticks Men’s team are set to launch their 2025 One Active Hockey One campaign with determination and fire, aiming to bounce back from their 2024 Bronze Medal disappointment.

Their season opener promises high intensity as they take on Brisbane Blaze under the lights at the Queensland State Hockey Centre on Friday, 10 October.

While many familiar faces from last year’s squad will return, the Thundersticks will also unveil a trio of exciting new additions to their youthful lineup.

Zach Rakkas will make his Hockey One return, debuting in Thundersticks colours.

The Northern Territory-raised striker previously played for Adelaide Fire in 2022 and joins Perth following a standout season with Reds Hockey Club in the Stiles Electrical Premier League, where he netted 25 goals across 21 matches.

Peel-raised Marshall Puzey is set for his long-awaited Hockey One debut, having been listed in the Thundersticks squad in both 2023 and 2024, while young talent Zed Kearnan will make his Hockey One debut.

Perth Thundersticks vice-captain James Collins sang high praises for the young players coming through the squad this year.

“There’s a lot of talent and a lot of young guys coming up playing their first season or maybe just settling into the side a bit more,” he said.

“Marshall Puzey is a very talented man and just doesn’t make any mistakes so I’m really excited to see him at the back there and helping us all out and getting us organised.”

Joining them is South African Ethan Boucher, who will make history as the first North Coast Raiders player to represent the Thundersticks since John Carroll over a decade ago.

Also returning to the national stage are Liam Flynn, back from a season in Europe, and Harry Golding, who will play his first Hockey One match since 2022.

Team Selection

1. Sam Ashton

4. Jake Harvie (C) – supported by Harley Dykstra

5. Angus Adamson

7. Zach Rakkas – supported by ConsMin & Copyworld

8. Zed Kearnan

10. Max Freedman

11. Tom Harvie (VC) – supported by Bravo Apples

12. Marshall Puzey

14. Chaz Davies – supported by Refinery Direct

15. Liam Flynn – supported by Dankz Furniture

16. Brodee Foster – supported by ConsMin

17. Ethan Boucher – supported by Avanti Financial Protection

18. Christian Starkie – supported by Apogee Strata

26. James Collins (VC)

43. Harry Golding – supported by Shenton Storage

Debuts: Zach Rakkas (Perth Thundersticks), Zed Kearnan (Hockey One), Marshall Puzey (Hockey One), Ethan Boucher (Hockey One)

Women’s

As the reigning champions, the Perth Thundersticks Women’s team are ready to kick off their 2025 Hockey One campaign with a high-stakes showdown.

In a thrilling Grand Final rematch, the Thundersticks will face off against Brisbane Blaze under the lights at the Queensland State Hockey Centre on Friday 10 October.

Several stars from the 2024 championship-winning squad will return to the field, but all eyes will be on Madi Ratcliffe as she makes her long-awaited Hockey One comeback.

Ratcliffe, who last played in the league for Hockey Club Melbourne in 2022, has made a triumphant return to WA hockey in 2025, helping the Westside Wolves to back-to-back premierships in the Stiles Electrical Premier League.

Her standout season earned her the prestigious Charlesworth Medal for Best & Fairest, along with the Jackie Pereira Top Goal Scorer award thanks to her impressive 25-goal tally.

Joining Ratcliffe in the Thundersticks lineup is Hockeyroos-listed goalkeeper Zoe Newman, making her debut after transferring from NSW Pride.

Rising star Caitlyn Templeman is also set to make her Hockey One debut, adding fresh energy to the squad.

Perth Thundersticks co-captain Liné Malan said she was very excited to see her Hale Hockey Club teammate make her debut.

“[Caitlyn’s] had a beautiful season and I’m very excited to see her step out on the field, showcase her skills and what she can bring to the team,” she said.

“I really think she’s one to watch this season.”

Meanwhile, Sarah Byrnes will make her return to the national stage after missing the 2024 season, suiting up for her first match since the 2023 Bronze Medal clash.

Team Selection

2. Jolie Sertorio – supported by Griffin Marine & Bravo Apples

3. Neasa Flynn – supported by Hesperia

4. Madi Ratcliffe – supported by Castile Resources Limited

5. Courtney Schonell – supported by Canaccord Genuity

6. Sarah Byrnes

7. Penny Squibb (C) – supported by Toll Group

10. Jesse Reid – supported by Steinepreis Paganin

12. Liné Malan (C) – supported by Dankz Furniture

13. Caitlyn Templeman – supported by Southerly Finance Group

14. Saysha Pillay – supported by ConsMin

17. Annie Gibbs – supported by C Results Print & Display

18. Kaitlin Nobbs – supported by Caves House Yallingup

20. Karri Somerville – supported by ConsMin

22. Zoe Newman

26. Lexie Pickering

Debuts: Madi Ratcliffe (Perth Thundersticks), Caitlyn Templeman (Hockey One), Zoe Newman (Perth Thundersticks)

Details

Brisbane Blaze vs Perth Thundersticks
Friday 10 October 2025
Men’s 6.30pm AEST (4.30pm AWST) | Women’s 8.15pm AEST (6.15pm AWST)
Queensland State Hockey Centre, Brisbane, QLD
STREAM ON 7PLUS

The Perth Thundersticks is proudly supported by 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 WA State Government.