Perth Thundersticks Team Selection: Round 5 vs Brisbane Blaze

The Perth Thundersticks will take momentum and confidence into Saturday’s double-header against Brisbane Blaze, with both sides making changes as they continue their push towards the Hockey One finals series.

Women’s

As the Perth Thundersticks Women chase a fifth straight win, the side will take two changes into Saturday’s clash with Brisbane Blaze.

Saysha Pillay is set to make her first Hockey One appearance of the 2026 season, while Bellé Ramshaw returns to the line-up after missing last weekend’s match against Melbourne Cobras.

Pillay has earned her recall following a strong TeamStar Premier League campaign with UWA, featuring in 23 of the club’s 24 matches and finding the back of the net eight times. Her return adds valuable depth through the midfield and forward lines.

Ramshaw’s inclusion strengthens the defensive unit, with the Collie product bringing experience and composure to the backline.

The pair replace Georgia Hiskins and Georgia Wilson for the Round 5 encounter.

The Thundersticks head to Brisbane full of confidence after a commanding 4-0 victory over Melbourne Cobras in front of a home crowd last weekend. The result extended their winning streak to four matches and kept their momentum rolling as the finals race heats up.

Brisbane Blaze, meanwhile, will be eager to continue their push for a top-four position after claiming a shootout victory over Tassie Tigers in their most recent outing.

Historically, the Blaze have proven difficult opponents for the Thundersticks, winning five of the seven meetings between the sides since the Hockey One League began in 2019. However, recent contests have swung in Perth’s favour, with the Thundersticks claiming both encounters in 2024, including the Hockey One Grand Final. The rivalry has also produced a pair of shootout thrillers, underlining the fine margins that often separate the two teams.

Team Selection

1. Pippa Morgan – supported by Harry Stevenson – William Porteous Real Estate & KMSB - Kimberley Marine Service Base

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

3. Neasa Flynn – supported by Geographe Electrical & Communications

4. Madi Ratcliffe – supported by Perth Performance Physio

5. Courtney Schonell – supported by Kids Paradise Early Learning

6. Sarah Byrnes – supported by ERM

10. Jesse Reid – supported by Steinepreis Paganin

12. Liné Malan (C) – supported by EWS

13. Caitlyn Templeman – supported by Southerly Finance Group

14. Saysha Pillay

15. Bellé Ramshaw – supported by Buckingham Contracting

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

18. Sophie Nation – supported by Top Wright Coaching

19. Beatrice Bell - supported by Cottesloe Vet

27. Summer Greenway (GK) - supported by Rysun Industries

In: Saysha Pillay, Bellé Ramshaw

Out: Georgia Hiskins, Georgia Wilson

Men’s

As the Perth Thundersticks Men continue their push for a top-four finish and a third consecutive victory, the side will take one change into Saturday’s clash with Brisbane Blaze.

Ian Grobbelaar returns to the line-up after being a late withdrawal ahead of last weekend’s match against Melbourne Cobras. After a week on the sidelines, the defender has been cleared to return and will provide a valuable presence in defence, along with his proven drag-flicking threat from penalty corners.

The match will also serve as an important opportunity for Grobbelaar to build momentum ahead of his upcoming international commitments. The first-year Kookaburra, who was named as an inaugural Talent Accelerator 2032 athlete in September, is set to represent Australia alongside James Collins and Cam Geddes at the 2026 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia later this month.

Grobbelaar replaces Sam Ashton in the Thundersticks line-up.

The Thundersticks head into Saturday’s contest full of confidence after recording a second straight win with an entertaining 6-3 victory over Melbourne Cobras at Perth Hockey Stadium last weekend.

Brisbane Blaze, meanwhile, will be looking to keep their own finals hopes alive after suffering a defeat to Tassie Tigers in Round 5.

Historically, the Blaze have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture, winning five of the six meetings between the two sides since the Hockey One League began in 2019. However, recent encounters have been closely fought affairs, with each of the last four matches decided by three goals or fewer, suggesting another fierce battle awaits on Saturday.

Team Selection

5. Angus Adamson – supported by Yakabindie South Boer Goats

9. Johannes Grosse – supported by Hexa Commercial

10. Max Freedman

11. Tom Harvie – supported by Bravo Apples

13. Daykin Stanger

16. Brodee Foster – supported by Jorbelda Farming

17. Jonah Pilatti – supported by Endrust Australia

19. Ian Grobbelaar – supported by EIW Architects

20. Mitchell Pace – supported by MPC Solutions

22. Flynn Ogilvie - supported by SKG Radiology

24. Cam Geddes – supported by Kwikfit Building Solutions

25. Ethan Yem – supported by Tang Technology

26. James Collins (C) – supported by ERM

27. Hunter Banyard – supported by Mick Matthews & WA Wools

43. Harry Golding – supported by Kwikfit Building Solutions

In: Ian Grobbelaar

Out: Sam Ashton

Details

Perth Thundersticks vs Brisbane Blaze

Saturday 7 November 2026
Women’s 2.30pm AWST | Men’s 4.15pm AWST
Perth Hockey Stadium
STREAM ON 7PLUS

The Perth Thundersticks is proudly supported by Bravo Apples, ERM High Voltage Asset Specialists, Polytan, Hexa Commercial, Session Equity, and SRG Global.