Hockey club looks back on a year of success | Photos

The Margaret River Hockey Club has celebrated the end of a hugely successful season, awarding standout players and leaders at its recent wind-up event, while welcoming in a brand new club president.

After four years at the helm, Maxine Williams completed her term as president and at the club’s AGM, newly nominated Club President, Ian Noakes was appointed.

“Ian brings a wealth of experience to the club, on and off the pitch,” Maxine said.

“As a well established local dairy farmer, he plays for our Masters Team, often along with his son Steve, and looks forward to being around the club for Junior training when his grandchildren James and Reese this year played in our Hookin2Hockey program.

“With three generations of the Noakes family playing hockey at our club, Ian is showing by example what a family club we are.”

The 2024 season marked the club’s second full year of training on the turf, established during their ‘Bring Hockey Home’ fundraising campaign.

The success of the Margaret River teams is testament to the improvements in those training facilities.

“The 2024 season has been such an exciting one for Margaret River Hockey Club in many ways.

“Our primary aims this year, were to enhance player skills and team development. Thanks to the coaching guidance of Head Coach Stu Wishart and the support from Wally Zalewski, we was some significant improvements in our team’s across the age group competitions.

“We are fortunate to have a dedicated coaching team, including Stu Wishart, Wally Zalewski, Briony Hearn, Andy Male, Tom Gorta, Rachel Phillips, Crispin Underwood, Luke Fulton, Mick Dempsey, Laith Gregory, Dan Stocker, Jake Pawelski, Rupert Ensor, and Kade Denham.

“Special thanks also go to team managers Vicky Harden, Clare Sieber, Jenni Boyle, Amy Penrose, Ruth More, Kate Wood, Alicia Pawelski, Teagan Simmonds, Chad Brooks, and TJ.”

As well as watching hometown hero and recently-retired Aran Zalewski and the Kookaburras at the Paris Olympics and competing strongly in the region’s competitions, the club also made improvements to their home facilities, resulting in some great successes.

“From our eight teams, six made it to the semi finals, and the Year 6-8 Boys, Year 6-8 Girls, Senior Women and Masters were crowned premiers!”

Stu Wishart was appointed Head Coach for the WA U16 Girls State Team, and Imelda Ensor and Abby Ralston from the Year 6-8 girls’ team also trialled for this team.

Maxine praised the entire club, from players, supporters, volunteers and associated community groups, for their efforts in growing both the prestige and success of the group.

“As I conclude my four years as Club President, I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together.”

SUMMER 7’S ON NOW!

The Club has also launched its Summer 7s series, with all welcome to take part in the fun, social competitions, perfect for those picking up a stick for the first time, or staving off the rust in the off-season.

“For 2024 we will be running two separate competitions, starting on Tuesday 29 October (junior/ family) and Thursday 3 October for seniors.

“Parents are encouraged to join the fun on Tuesday nights, especially if you or your kids are new to the sport. We will have the bar open and bbq running from 5:30pm, with sausages and burgers available.

“Senior players looking to stay active during the off season, come down and have a run on Thursday nights. We’ll run a round-robin competition of four teams. School year 9-12 players who played for MRHC this season may request to play with the seniors on Thursday nights. The bar will be open from 5:30pm.”

For more info, including fees, fixtures and rules, visit www.margaretriverhockey.org.au/summer-hockey