The dust has settled on the 2023 Hockey Australia Country Championships and what a week it was.
Shepparton’s smurf turf was a hive of action over August 5-12 as the best country players from across the nation descended to see which state would be crowned champion.
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Shielding play: Western Australia’s Lachlan Overton. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 8
Down low: Victoria’s Jayden Gulson. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 8
Tunnel vision: Western Australia’s Liam Sweeney. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 8
Watching intently: Victoria’s Hudson Erskine. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 8
Full tilt: Western Australia’s Callum Abraham. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 8
Break away: Western Australia’s Lachlan Overton. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 8
Loading up: Victoria’s Jayden Gulson. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 8
On his haunches: Western Australia’s Kyle Jones. Photo by Rechelle ZammitThe men’s gold medal match between Western Australia and Victoria was decided off the stick of Brayden Dalton as his penalty corner sealed a 1-0 win for the former.
In the women’s final, Queensland sealed a thrilling overtime win against New South Wales.
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Flick the stick: Victoria’s Kahlua Smart. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 8
Sweeping pass: Victoria’s Emma Hatton. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 8
Hunting down: Victoria’s Justine Van Lathem. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 8
Smart shot: Victoria’s Kahlua Smart. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 8
The Bosman: New South Wales’ Clare Bosman. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 8
Hop, skip and a jump: Victoria’s Emma Hatton. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 8
Swich and flick: Victoria’s Jane Young. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 8
Steering the ship: New South Wales’ Emma White. Photo by Megan FisherLani Blackman’s late goal for Queensland sent the game into a shootout with Holly Gilbar sending her side into raptures as she struck home the deciding penalty.
News photographer Megan Fisher snapped the women’s semi-final between NSW and Victoria on Friday, while Rechelle Zammit captured Saturday’s men’s gold medal match.