With finals fast approaching and national selectors watching closely, Round Four of the ONE Active Hockey One League delivered a weekend of high drama, late heroics and ladder-shaking results.
From Brisbane’s shootout heartbreak to Hobart’s double triumph and Perth’s men holding firm against the reigning champions, the round had everything — including a stark reality check for last year’s women’s grand finalists, who now sit in the bottom two spots.
Momentum is building, reputations are being forged, and the race to secure a place in Melbourne is officially on.
Brisbane Blaze vs NSW Pride
Queensland State Hockey Centre, Friday
Women: NSW Pride 4 def. Brisbane Blaze 3
NSW Pride remain the only unbeaten team in the women’s competition after a stirring comeback that will be remembered as one of the season’s defining turnarounds. Trailing 3–0 at halftime, coach Scott Barker delivered a halftime challenge to his side’s character — and they responded with a second-half blitz.
Jenna-Rae McIntyre sparked the revival with a composed finish, followed by Mariah Williams’ trademark burst through midfield and a clinical strike. Alanna Kavanagh and Chelsea Holmes added further goals as the Pride flipped the script with relentless pressure and precision. The Blaze, last year’s grand finalists, now sit last on the ladder with just three points from three games — a stunning fall that reflects both missed opportunities and defensive fragility.
The Pride’s midfield intensity and ability to finish under pressure were the difference, while Brisbane showed glimpses of their attacking flair but couldn’t stem the tide once momentum shifted.
Men: NSW Pride 2(4) def. Brisbane Blaze 2(3)
The men’s clash was a showcase of elite hockey and late drama. Brisbane looked in control for much of the match, with Joel Rintala and Daykin Stanger giving them a 2–0 lead through well-worked field goals. But as the clock ticked down, Nathan Czinner, one of the league’s standout performers, produced a moment of brilliance, weaving through defenders and slotting a field goal in the final minute to force a shootout.
Ash Thomas was ice-cool in goal, denying Stanger, while all five Pride takers converted with clinical precision. The Pride now sit second on the ladder with 13 points, just ahead of Brisbane on 12. The match was a tactical chess game, with Brisbane’s structured defence and Pride’s flair creating a compelling contrast. Czinner’s late strike was a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in this league.
Tassie Tigers vs Adelaide Fire
Aurora Energy Tasmanian Hockey Centre, Saturday
Women: Tassie Tigers 3 def. Adelaide Fire 2
In a fiery and physical contest, Adelaide struck early through Breana Catley, who scored and converted inside two minutes with a powerful run and finish. The Tigers, who had struggled to convert chances all season, responded with renewed urgency in the third quarter.
Roos Swann led the charge, scoring and converting to level the match, before first-year sensation Isabelle Kruimink smashed home the Tigers’ 12th penalty corner of the match with a moment that lifted the home crowd to its feet. Maddi Brooks, Jane Claxton, Renee Taylor, and goalkeeper Evie Dalton were immense in the final minutes, repelling wave after wave of Adelaide attacks.
Lucy Sharman’s broken hand in a goal-saving effort added a sombre note to the win, highlighting the physical toll and commitment on display. The Tigers now sit fifth, with belief surging through the squad. Adelaide, meanwhile, will rue missed chances and a second-half fade that cost them dearly.
Men: Tassie Tigers 3 def. Adelaide Fire 0
The Tassie Tigers men roared back into finals contention with a dominant 3–0 win over Adelaide Fire, powered by a blistering start from Ehren Hazell. The talented striker netted a hat-trick inside eight minutes. First, a tap-in from a sharp semi-circle entry, then a composed conversion, and a clinical penalty corner that left Adelaide stunned.
From there, the Tigers controlled the tempo, with veterans Eddie Ockenden and Matt Swann orchestrating play and keeping Adelaide on the back foot. Leon Hayward was heroic in goal for the Fire, making multiple reflex saves to prevent a blowout. The Tigers have now won two straight and look increasingly dangerous, with their blend of youth and experience clicking at the right time.
Adelaide, still searching for their first points, showed glimpses of fight but lacked the finishing touch and composure in key moments. With Perth visiting Hobart next week, the Tigers have a golden opportunity to consolidate their top-four status.
Perth Thundersticks vs HC Melbourne
Perth Hockey Stadium, Sunday
Women: HC Melbourne 2 def. Perth Thundersticks 1
The Perth Thundersticks’ title defence continues to unravel, with a fourth straight loss leaving them sixth on the ladder. Line Malan gave them an early lead, but HC Melbourne’s composure and superior build-up play turned the tide.
New Zealand international Hannah Cotter was the standout, scoring a world-class tomahawk goal and converting off the inside post to give Melbourne the edge. Evie Stansby and Rosie Hope were rock-solid in defence, shutting down Perth’s circle entries and frustrating their attacking rhythm.
Courtney Schonell hit the upright, Maddi Ratcliffe and Sarah Byrnes worked tirelessly, but Perth again struggled to turn chances into scoreboard pressure. Melbourne’s essential skills and tactical discipline proved decisive, and they now sit third, a dangerous proposition as finals approach.
Men: HC Melbourne 3 def. Perth Thundersticks 1
This was a tale of two halves. HC Melbourne dominated early, controlling possession and territory, but failed to capitalise on their dominance. Daan Smits eventually broke the deadlock with a penalty corner goal in the second quarter, but Perth responded with renewed intensity in the third.
Ian Grobbelaar equalised with a sharp finish, and the Thundersticks piled on pressure, forcing Kookaburras and HCM keeper Jed Snowden into several key saves. Nye Roberts and Nathan Ephraums were influential throughout, while Kieran Arunasalam came alive in the second half, threatening with pace and creativity.
In the final term, Cooper Burns stepped up with a decisive field goal and conversion to seal the win. Christian Starkie was outstanding in goal for Perth, keeping his side in the contest, but Melbourne’s depth and set-piece execution proved the difference. They remain top of the ladder, showing resilience and tactical maturity under pressure.
Canberra Chill – Round Four Bye
The Canberra Chill had the chance for a mid-season break ahead of next week’s trip to Adelaide to take on the Fire where they will be looking to build momentum in the lead up to the finals. They sit fourth in the women’s competition, while the men are positioned fifth on the ladder.