Sultana Bran Hockey One League General Manager Tony Dodemaide has announced his resignation to take up a ‘once in a lifetime’ role with Cricket Australia.
Dodemaide was appointed by the Hockey One League Board as the League’s inaugural General Manager in early 2019.
In his time at the helm, Dodemaide was instrumental in setting up and delivering the new and reimagined national men’s and women’s hockey league.
He also navigated the League through the impact of COVID which has prevented the second season from going ahead.
A former Australian cricket test and one-day player, Dodemaide leaves hockey after securing a position as a National Selector for Australia’s Men’s Cricket Team.
“It is very much with mixed feelings that I am leaving hockey,” said Dodemaide.
“It would have been great to see Hockey One through more of its development but the opportunity that has presented itself in my old sport of cricket is something I can’t turn down.”
“I have very much enjoyed the time with the Hockey One League and loved being part of the early planning and establishment of it.”
“I really believe in the Hockey One League product. Hockey is a great sport, a famous sport, it is well respected and I think this competition is vitally important for the strategic future of Australian hockey.”
“I have no doubt the competition will go from strength to strength when it gets a clear run.”
Much of the success of the first Sultana Bran Hockey One League season and its breakthrough into the national sporting landscape as a start-up competition could be credited to Dodemaide’s experience and expertise as a high level sports administrator.
“Whilst it is disappointing to be losing Tony, the role he is going into is a once in a lifetime opportunity in a sport that he is famous for. I can fully understand and support his decision and wish him well,” said Hockey One League Chair Colin Richardson.
“Tony has been at Hockey One from the start and has been an integral part of the success of the League.
“Despite the difficult times we have experienced he has behaved impeccably and forged a strong relationship with all stakeholders. He will be missed.”
Dodemaide will finish up his role with the Sultana Bran Hockey One League on 12 November.