PERTH THUNDERSTICKS 6 def NSW PRIDE 0 – Women’s semi-final
The Perth Thundersticks advanced to the women’s grand final with a 6-0 win over NSW Pride, dominating from start to finish in a clinical team performance.
Lexie Pickering played a hat-trick, supported by a double from Neasa Flynn and a goal from Courtney Schonell, as Perth’s attack fired on all cylinders. Their high pressing and disciplined structure forced turnovers all over the field, stifling NSW’s attempts to build momentum and limiting their attacking options.
Perth’s connection in midfield and precision in the circle proved decisive, turning defense into attack with trademark efficiency. The Thundersticks have been building towards this level of dominance all season, and their form suggests they will have to take some time off in Sunday’s decider.
They now progress to HC Melbourne in the grand final, while NSW Pride will meet Adelaide Fire in the bronze medal match.
TASSIE TIGERS 6 (2–1 SO) def BRISBANE BLAZE 6 – Men’s Semi-Final
The men’s semi-final between Tassie Tigers and Brisbane Blaze will go down as one of the most entertaining matches in Hockey One history, with Tassie triumphing 2-1 in a dramatic shootout after a 6-6 thriller.
Both sides showed their firepower and physicality in a fast-paced match. Brisbane’s Joel Rintala was exceptional with four goals, supported by Elijah Mathewson and Hayden Pease, while Tassie responded through a hat-trick from Sam McCulloch and goals from Keenan Johnson, Josh Brooks and Tyson Johnson.
The momentum shifted and neither team gave an inch. As the match went to a shootout, Tassie goalkeeper Ben Rennie emerged as the hero, making crucial saves to send the Tigers into the grand final.
They now face HC Melbourne in a highly anticipated decider, while Brisbane Blaze turn their attention to the bronze medal match against NSW Pride.
HC MELBOURNE 4 defeats ADELAIDE FIRE 2 – Women’s semi-final
HC Melbourne booked their place in the women’s grand final after a hard-fought 4-2 win over Adelaide Fire in front of a passionate home crowd.
Melbourne’s score spread among Sophie Taylor, Aisling Utri, Hannah Cotter and Zali Ward, as Laura Barden struck for a determined Adelaide side that refused to go quietly.
Even when a series of late cards tested their resolve, Melbourne held on to secure the result.
It sets up a mouth-watering grand final against Perth Thundersticks – a battle between the competition’s two most consistent teams. Adelaide meets NSW Pride in the bronze medal match.
HC MELBOURNE 9 def NSW PRIDE 3 – Men’s semi-final
The HC Melbourne men’s team put in an impressive performance on home ground, beating NSW Pride 9-3 in a goal-packed semi-final to storm into the grand final.
Melbourne’s attack was irresistible, led by the energy and creativity of Liam Henderson. Goals came from Peter Scott, Cooper Burns, Nathan Ephraums, Ben White (2), Dan Smits (2) and Ky Willott (2), reflecting the depth and balance of their hitting.
NSW Pride fought hard through Blake Govers and Dylan Martin, who found the net twice but could not match Melbourne’s speed, accuracy and transition play. The result underlined the home side’s attacking prowess and set up a mouthwatering Grand Final match with Tassie Tigers.
The Pride will regroup to take on Brisbane Blaze in the bronze play-off.
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