The Road Ahead: Perth Thundersticks' 2026 Hockey One season

With the 2026 Hockey One fixtures now locked in, attention turns to what lies ahead — and a fresh chapter for the Perth Thundersticks as they gear up for what promises to be an exciting season.

Round 1
Away vs Tassie Tigers, Saturday 10 October @ Tasmanian Hockey Centre

For the third straight season, the Perth Thundersticks will open their campaign on the road, travelling to the Tasmanian Hockey Centre to face the Tassie Tigers.

With the reigning champion Women’s side beginning a new era under Head Coach Anthony Potter, they’ll be looking to build on their breakthrough performance against the Tigers in 2025 — a turning point that sparked their back-to-back title run. History also favours the Thundersticks, with five wins from six meetings since Hockey One’s inception in 2019, and the Tasmanian Hockey Centre marking the site of their first Championship triumph.

Meanwhile, the Men’s team enter a rebuilding phase under incoming Head Coach Tim Geers and will be chasing their first outright victory over the Tigers. Tassie has long proven a challenging opponent, with the Thundersticks’ only success coming via a shootout win in 2024.

Round 2
Away vs Hockey Club Melbourne, Saturday 17 October @ Melbourne Sports Centre

For the first time since the inaugural Hockey One season, the Thundersticks will remain on the road following their Round One trip to Tasmania, next heading to the Melbourne Sports Centre to face Hockey Club Melbourne.

The clash will see the Thundersticks Women return to the venue where they etched their name in history, becoming the first side to secure back-to-back Hockey One championships, in what looms as a 2025 Grand Final rematch. While the Thundersticks hold the edge with five wins from seven meetings, they can expect another fierce contest, with last year’s runners-up sure to bring plenty of intensity.

Similarly, the Men’s team have been no strangers to tight battles against HC Melbourne over the years. As they prepare to take on the back-to-back champions, the Thundersticks will be determined to break through for their first win against HC Melbourne since their narrow 5–4 triumph at the Melbourne Sports Centre in 2024.

Round 3
Away vs NSW Pride, Saturday 24 October @ Sydney Olympic Park

The Thundersticks will continue to rack up the Frequent Flyer points, hitting the road for the third straight week to take on NSW Pride at Sydney Olympic Park.

For the Men’s team, the Pride have historically been a tough matchup, with the Thundersticks’ only breakthrough a hard-fought 3–1 win in 2024. However, signs of progress were clear last season, pushing the Pride all the way in a narrow 1–2 loss on home turf.

The Women’s side, meanwhile, have faced NSW Pride more than any other team in Hockey One history. While the Thundersticks hold the advantage with five wins from eight encounters, the Pride will be out to challenge that record as they build on last year’s bronze medal finish — setting up yet another fiercely contested clash.

Round 4
Home vs Melbourne Cobras, Sunday 1 November @ Perth Hockey Stadium

Round Four of the 2026 season brings the Thundersticks home as they take on the competition’s newest side at Perth Hockey Stadium. After three straight away fixtures to open the campaign, the return to home turf will be a welcome one. Facing a new team adds an element of unpredictability to the matchup, setting up an intriguing contest. Backed by a fired-up home crowd that’s had to wait patiently for this moment, the Thundersticks will be ready to tap into that local energy and make it count against the league’s newest arrivals.

Round 5
Home vs Brisbane Blaze, Saturday 7 November @ Perth Hockey Stadium

Round Five sees the Thundersticks settle into life at Perth Hockey Stadium for a second straight home fixture, hosting Brisbane Blaze.

For the Women’s side, the Blaze have been one of the Thundersticks’ toughest opponents in Hockey One. However, recent encounters have highlighted the Thundersticks’ growing confidence and ability to match it with Brisbane. That said, the Blaze will arrive ready to bring the heat, ensuring another competitive, high-quality contest.

The Men’s team have faced similar challenges against the Blaze, with their narrow 3–2 win in 2022 a highlight to date. Encouraging signs were evident in their 1–3 clash in 2025, reflecting a group continuing to grow and close the gap. As the Thundersticks build momentum, they’ll be eager to take another step forward against a Brisbane side known for its consistency and firepower.

Round 6
Home vs Adelaide Fire, Saturday 14 November @ Perth Hockey Stadium

For the third straight week, the Perth Thundersticks will run out on home turf, this time hosting the Adelaide Fire at Perth Hockey Stadium.

Both squads boast a strong record against the Fire and will be eager to build on that success.

The Men’s team will be looking to continue their momentum following a 4–1 win in 2025. With confidence building, they’ll be keen to stamp their authority on the contest early and keep Adelaide on the back foot.

The Women’s side have claimed four wins from five meetings and will be determined to return to the winner’s circle after a tough 2–4 loss in 2025, aiming to deliver a strong performance in front of their home crowd.

Round 7
Away vs Canberra Chill, Sunday 22 November @ EPC Solar Hockey Stadium

With the Hockey One League now expanded to eight teams, bye weeks are a thing of the past, and the Thundersticks will close out the regular season with one final road trip to EPC Solar Hockey Stadium to face the Canberra Chill.

The Women’s team will be aiming to finish the regular season on a high, taking on a Canberra side that gathered momentum throughout 2025. While a competitive contest is expected, history firmly favours the Thundersticks, who have never suffered an outright loss to the Chill.

The Men’s team will also be motivated to finish strongly after a challenging outing against Canberra in 2025. Their history with the Chill has delivered plenty of drama — from a heartbreaking shootout loss in 2019, to a dominant Semi Final win in 2022 and a confident victory in 2023. With plenty on the line, expect a fierce contest as the Thundersticks look to settle the score.

With a season packed full of blockbuster matchups and unforgettable moments ahead, now’s the time to get behind the Thundersticks and be part of the journey. Let’s bring the thunder together in the 2026 Hockey One season.

Stay tuned — membership and ticket details are coming soon!