Author Archives: Claire Barnes

Highlights of the week: great games in the U10 and U12 Newtown derbies and another win for Newtown Falcons in D2 Men which sees them knocking on the door for finals participation. Promising outlooks for the finals for all teams.

Under 10 Stead Park

Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Spirit 7-4

This was the third Newtown vs Newtown derby for 2025, and both teams (and the coaches) were keen for a win!

Spirit got off to a strong start, scoring the opening two goals early. The first came from a good second effort in a short corner, and the second despite all of Zach’s valiant efforts to defend! The Strikers soon responded with Georgia, Harry and Austin teaming up for nice passes into the D and a goal for Austin. A few minutes later Austin was back in the D scoring his second – scores level!

For the next 15 mins it was tough hockey. The Strikers worked hard trying to find another goal with more accurate passes from Harry and Ryder into D, but the strong defense from Spirit kept the scores level. Whenever the ball headed back the other way, Will was quick to tackle and intercept, whilst Lily, Zach and Elspeth all held strong in our defense whenever Spirit attacked their goal. A fast shot across goal by Spirit was ever-so-elegantly tapped away by Elspeth (phew!) however right before the half time whistle Spirit scored again. The Strikers were down 2-3 at half time, wondering whether their winning streak was about to end…

The second half kicked off with more good hockey seeing the ball traveling up and down the pitch. It wasn’t long before Austin eyed another opportunity – this time with a great pass to the top of the D where Georgia was ready to pounce and score her first for the game. Ryder tackled hard and put Spirit under pressure, and soon both Harry and Lily had opportunities to score which they made the most of – two goals for Harry and one for Lily.

With the score now at 6-3, Newtown Spirit fought back scoring a goal in an attempt to regain control. Georgia and Zach both stepped up to counter, before Austin added his third goal to the scorecard. Some last minute short corners for both teams went goal-less, and the last derby of the year was done – Strikers winning 7-4. 

Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Strikers 4-7

Under 10 Lloyd Reserve

Newtown Rockets vs Newtown Jets 0-5

An even start to the game with Alex providing some strong defence in front of goals for Rockets. Great focus and proactive approach to the ball from Alex met the opposition attacks early and excellent passes out of danger to team mates limited scores.

David and Hadley showed awareness of team mates in position and made some great passes from the mifield. Nora, Tully and Zita on the forward line were keen to look for spaces and get the ball. Zita showed some fantastic skills with excellent spins to move forward while keeping the ball on her stick. Jets quick passes caught us out a few times and found players in good position to score.

Newtown Dynamos vs Newtown Rebels 5-0

This morning’s match took place under a drizzling rain that persisted for the entire match. Spirits weren’t dampened however with the Rebels and Dynamos providing a very competitive game.

Mathilda supported the Jets team due to low numbers in the first half and Flynn took over for the Jets in the second half.

All players really applied themselves and five goals were scored in the first half for the Dynamos. The goals weren’t easily achieved though with great defense being shown, and numerous Rebel attacking plays were barely contained.

The second half was even more competitive with players spending plenty of time in defensive and attacking situations at both ends of the ground.

Strong passing and many attempts at goal were seen by both sides. Definitely a more mature game is being seen at this stage in the season which is great to see.

Under 12

Newtown Spirit vs Newtown Strikers 4-1

It was time again for the Newtown Derby! 

Spirit was led onto the field by 25 game milestone player Hugo as captain. It was a full team line up that included Sam taking the field after his jaw injury. 

The ball went up and down the pitch with players on both teams energetically chasing the ball. It was a short corner in favour of Spirit, that was converted by Paddy, to put the first goal on the scoreboard. It was an excellent piece of play as Spirit have struggled all season to convert short corners.

Another goal to Paddy and one to Oliver had Spirit 3-1 up but it was when Ryder pushed his first goal for the season past the goalie that everyone cheered loudly. 

One thing that we have come to learn is that the final scorecard of every derby does not accurately speak to how evenly the game was played. It’s such a joy to watch as a spectator. 

Well done to ALL Newtown players.

Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Spirit 1-4

Under 14

Newtown Strikers vs Corio Red 2-6

Despite a 6-2 loss to Corio Red, the Newtown Strikers put in a fantastic performance, showing great hunger, determination, and team spirit across the field.

After a slow start, the team lifted in the second half to score two well-earned goals from set plays. Jack F and Sidak found the back of the net, capitalising on strong attacking opportunities.Albie had a standout game in goals, making several crucial saves and keeping the Strikers in the contest with his composure under pressure. Alexandra was rock-solid in her role all day, providing a reliable target in transition and linking well with teammates. She was supported by Mitch and Jack P, who worked tirelessly across the field to create opportunities and defend strongly. Defensively, Eva, Lucas, Eliza, Emily, and Lily were dependable and composed, repelling numerous Corio attacks with grit and excellent teamwork.

In the midfield, Alex, Chelsea, and Eliza ran hard all game—covering ground, applying pressure, and driving the team forward with energy and intent.

Although the result didn’t go their way, the Strikers can be proud of a resilient, team-first performance that showed real growth and commitment.

Under 16

Newtown Strikers vs Corio Red 6-13

Round 13 had the U16 playing on a Saturday rather than the usual Sunday against Corio Red. And for the first time this season we welcomed Winter to the team – great to have you on the pitch for Newtown, Winter!

As we’ve seen all year Corio got off to a strong start and were quickly on the scoreboard with the first three goals. Parker made their chances harder with good pressure, and just before the end of the first quarter a Newtown penalty 1v1 resulted in a goal for Oliver.

Our best quarter of the game was the second – with Kayden making some great saves (including a penalty 1v1!) and Oliver scoring another two goals. Parker joined the party and scored his first goal, followed by a Sidak and Jack team effort that resulted in a goal for Jack. The Strikers had won the quarter – 4 goals to 3!

Things continued well for Newtown at the start of the third, with Jess working hard to create opportunities and another goal from Oliver in a penalty 1v1. Despite strong defense from Winter, Cormac and Liz, Corio responded with four unanswered goals leaving the score at 6-11 at three quarter time.

Whilst not scoring any goals in the last, the Strikers put up a strong fight and made it hard for Corio. Kayden continued to make great saves, Cormac cleared the ball out of their D whenever he had the chance, and Jack made some nice passes into our D to create chances. Newtown had three more chances to score from penalty 1v1s that all went unlucky, but Corio were only able to add two more goals to their score. The final score: 6-13.

Division 1 Women

Newtown Falcons vs Torquay 0-5

Although it wasn’t a win for Newtown, under challenging conditions Falcons kept Torquay to a respectable scoreline, especially considering that Torquay have regularly been winning by 8 to 10 goals this season. The team tested out a new playing structure which took a little while to gel and this was where Torquay scored the majority of their goals.

It was nice to have Maggie W jet in for a guest appearance, looking just as fit and fast as ever!

There were a lot of positives to take away from the game. Well done everyone!

Division 2 Men

Newtown Falcons vs Corio 5-1

An overcast Sunday game saw Newtown’s Men take on a youthful looking Corio, and with a fast start, the mighty Maroons came away with a 5-1 win, making it two in a row and perhaps a sign of some end of season form. Having extra players on the bench made for a welcome sight as the veterans of our side relished the opportunity for a mid-game rest. The Hinett father-son duo was dangerous up forward with plenty of chances created, including an incredible Adham tomahawk from the baseline that hit the post. Young Parker showed his speed was too much for the opposition to handle, with blistering pace cutting in behind for a well-deserved goal. Tom P was everywhere, scoring two goals in an endorsement for the fitness component of field hockey. Dave and Adam were a wall in defence, with the only goal allowed being from highly skilled Corio passing. AJ also put one in the net, and combined with Ian, formed an excellent attack with Gavin on the wing. Tom McD and Mick B anchored the half-line brilliantly, with solid tackles and great width.

Now is the time to RSVP to our presentation night and stay healthy in the run to finals.

Division 2 Women

Newtown Strikers vs Geelong Jaguars 3-5

Newtown Strikers faced Geelong again for the third time looking for a third win. However this was a much stronger and more experienced (and faster!) Geelong team which took the field. Strikers’ defence was put under pressure in the early part of the game, but handled it well, with Kayla and Kirsty in good position to delay the Geelong attack. Tash, Ricky and Andie worked hard to mark opponents and cut off avenues to goal, but Geelong’s speed saw them get past the defence and put the first goal on the board.

A second goal followed not long after when play continued despite Kirsty being on the receiving end of a heavy colllision which forced her from the field and prevented her from taking any further part in the game.

Strikers ‘never say die’ attitude came to the fore with Ivy, Jess and Tilly showing great speed and ball control to move the ball into attack and create scoring chances. Good co-operation with team mates from Lara, Peta, Kristy and Gemma, well supported by Benno in both midfield and forward roles saw Strikers threaten time and again.

Goals to Tilly (2) and a lovely goal from Ivy on a short corner.

The game ended on a very wet note, with a heavy downpour in the last 2 minutes of the game!

Highlight of the week: a win for Newtown Falcons in D2 Men.

Under 10 Stead Park

Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 6-3

Ready to go after the school holiday break, the Strikers started strong with Georgia and Lily working the ball into our D early, and Lily scoring the opening goal! 

Torquay responded by taking the ball down their end, however Elspeth was too good in the goals and cleared the ball out. This was the start of a great team play, with Georgia and Lily working the ball back into the D, and Georgia scoring our second.

Ryder and Harry worked hard in the midfield and were both unlucky on goal, but after a Torquay short corner was cleared out of their D by our defenders, Harry was able to receive the ball and run it all the way into our D for his first goal – a great outcome for us from their short corner!!

Torquay were able to find some momentum after the three unanswered goals, and started to keep Will and Zach busy in the back half. Zach’s pressure forced a miss by the Torquay striker, but they did manage to get one through late in the half, with the score 3-1 at half time.

The second half was a much closer game, seeing Torquay force a lot of our plays into our defensive half. Zach continued to work hard and stopped several Torquay opportunities, with Will, Harry and Georgia all having to assist in defense. Torquay broke through again, and the game was suddenly very close: 3-2!

Sensing our nine game winning streak might be coming to an end, the team dug deep. Most impressive was Will – defending hard with some great tackles and pressure. Will’s work was soon rewarded when he ran the ball from the back half all the way up the pitch for a nice pass to Harry in the D. Harry completed the job with a lovely goal, and it was back to a two goal lead. Ryder then joined the goal scorers with a great second-effort hit after his first attempt was blocked, and we’d taken the win out of Torquay’s sails.

A final Torquay goal was quickly negated by Harry with his third (another from the crumbs of a Torquay short corner!) and that was the Strikers’ 10th win in a row – an amazing effort!

Newtown Spirit vs Corio 9-1

Under 10 Lloyd Reserve

Newtown Dynamos/ Rebels vs Newtown Jets/Rockets 7-0

Another crisp morning at Lloyd Reserve for Under 10s Junior division this week.

Despite the reshuffled squads due to school holiday absences, the merged teams—Jets and Rockets forming one side, Dynamos and Rebels the other—delivered an energetic showdown filled with fast-paced action and fierce determination. Playing 8-a-side created a buzzing field atmosphere, with players constantly swarming the ball and diving into tackles.

By full-time, the scoreboard read a resounding 7–0 victory to the Dynamos/ Rebels, but both sides showed immense heart. Shout outs to Flynn, Michaela, Mathilda and Esther who scored goals . Each goal was a product of swift transitions, smart positioning, and tireless team support. Whether it was backing up a teammate or hustling back in defense, the match showcased youth hockey. Tessa, Florence and Alex all showing some fantastic defence skills.  Even without their usual lineups, players rose to the occasion—sharing the ball, celebrating each other’s efforts, and reminding everyone that the real win is in playing together. Thanks to the coaches for helping support during the game and upskilling our teams.

Under 12

Newtown Spirit vs Corio 2-3

On a very icy morning at Stead Park, Spirit took to the field with a lot of energy. Were they ready to defeat Corio? Or were they afraid that if they stood still they’d freeze in place? 

It warmed all hearts to see Hugo back on the field after recovering from his hamstring injury in round 9. 

The game started and the ball immediately went into Corio’s half (for maybe two seconds) before Spirit and all that energy brought it straight into their half. They were running at top speed, they were passing, tackling and defending like it was a practice drill- quite simply, they were performing at their best!

Corio scored the first goal then Paddy quickly pushed one through to equalise. At half time the score was 1-1. The second half was just as tough with the ball being pushed around the pitch. Corio scored then Caspar equalised. 

With four minutes to go a ball was hit at speed straight into Samuel’s lower jaw. The crowd gasped, Sam was visibly in pain, his jaw immediately swelled and started to bruise. A short corner was given to Corio which was converted. In the final seconds there was a big push out of defence and the ball ran all the way into Spirit’s goal without being touched, thus no goal was allowed. The final result was a win to Corio. 

We have heard that Samuel’s jaw is healing well. It’ll be a long week of recovery but are all sending best wishes and hoping he can take to the pitch this week. 

Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 0-0

What a game! The Newtown Strikers held off a strong Torquay side in a thrilling 0–0 draw. The first half was all about rock-solid defence from Edward, Paddy, Joe, James and Henry, with clever wide passes and confident clearances setting the tone. Miriam ran her little legs off up forward, while Ruby was always in the right spot, creating great opportunities. Dot was cool under pressure in goals, pulling off some brilliant saves.

In the second half, Henry stepped up the defensive pressure, while Ruby and Thomas found fantastic space up forward, sparking some dangerous attacks. Mitch and Paddy continued to clear strongly from the back, and once again Dot stood tall in goals. A huge team effort and a well-earned result – a nil-all draw against a tough Torquay side!

Under 14

Newtown Strikers vs Corio White 0-8

We had a slow start in the first half. We made several errors in our half and Corio was quick to pounce on them and make it count. In the second half, we played much bettter and had more control of the ball. However we failed to convert the opportunities we had.

Strikers ran hard and played hard but Corio played smart. They controlled the centre of the field and prevented Strikers from launching any attacks through the centre. They also intercepted many of our passes and clearances from defence.

Albie had a good game and made many saves. We had Lucy, Lucas, Emily, Eva, Alex L, Jack H and Jack F in defence and Mitchell, Chelsea, Jack P and Alex H in the forward line.

Under 16

Newtown Strikers vs Corio White 3-14

The Strikers had a great first quarter against second-on-the-ladder Corio White this week, with Oliver scoring a goal in a penalty 1v1, and good tackling pressure from Sofia and Cormac plus more saves from Kayden restricting Corio to only two goals for the quarter.

Early goals from Corio in the second had the Strikers on the back foot, and despite some great plays and unlucky attempts on goal from Jess and Oliver we were unable to answer any of Corio’s four goals.

After the half time break and some great analysis and encouragement from our captain Sidak, the Strikers started strong and opened the quarter with a goal from Parker (nicely assisted by Oliver). Sidak was true to his words with some huge efforts to win the ball and even had a shot on goal himself, and Kayden continued to make some awesome saves in goal. A closer third quarter, with Corio only scoring three.

With perhaps tired legs and too much winter sun, the Strikers were unable to keep up the pressure on Corio in the fourth. Parker tried hard in the goals but met tough resistance from their goalie, whilst down the other end Corio made the most of several penalty 1v1s. Oliver scored his second from another penalty 1v1, but it was Corio with a big win over Newtown, 14-3.

Division 1 Women

Newtown Falcons vs Saints Black 1-2

Division 2 Men

Newtown Falcons vs Torquay Tornadoes 2-1

Division 2 Women

Newtown Strikers vs Saints 4-0

A fantastic game for Strikers this week, with great co-ordination and connections between defence and attack. The defence was well up to the task with the midfield controlled by Andie, Hannah, Tash and Sarah, turning back any Saints attacks which crossed the half line. This left Kirsty, Kayla and Claire in the last line of defence with very little to do – only 2 defensive short corners for the game, and not a single touch for Claire. If anything did get into the Saints attack zone it was efficiently dealt with by Kirsty and Kayla.

Strong forward passes from Tash, Andie and Hannah found our forwards with space and room to move the ball into attack. Great running and positioning coupled with excellent ball control from Hanna, Tilly, Chelsea and Jess created lots of opportunities in our attacking zone. We had lots of passes coming from the wings across the front of the goal from Gemma, Kristy and Peta to try and get a score on the board. Unfortunately many of these were intercepted by Saints defenders before they reached the goal. There were also lots of attempts to score with a scramble directly in front of the goal which seemed as if there surely must be a score! Goals scored by Tash, Hanna and Jess (2).

Welcome back to Gemma for her first game for Newtown since 2020.

Highlight of the week: a great win by D1 Women.

No junior games this week, so we only have senior games to report on.

Thanks to all senior teams for your support of NAIDOC Week, recognised by wearing special socks.

Division 1 Women

Newtown Falcons vs Geelong Blue 2-0

Division 2 Men

Newtown Falcons vs Geelong White 1-5

Division 2 Women

Newtown Strikers vs Corio 0-9

After two draws with Corio this season, we came up against a much stronger Corio team which was without some of its junior players but had the advantage of some very skilled seniors.

Despite the best efforts and determination of our defence to keep the ball out of the goal, Corio’s quick passing and leading to space constantly forced Kirsty and Zali to intervene and try to break down the attack. Kayla, Andie and Sarah worked hard to mark the opposition but it was often the last minute ball handling skills in front of goal which allowed Corio to score. More work for Claire to do this week with one nice high save.

Corio’s efficiency in moving the ball around the back to switch play created problems for us, and we struggled to establish a connection between midfield and forward attacking moves. The second half saw some successful forward moves along the wings with Lara and Kristy maintaining some width but Tilly, Tash, Chelsea and Hanna were not able to find much space to get any control of the game.

Highlight of the week: some school holiday forfeits led to a friendly game between our U14 and U16 teams – played in a fantastic spirit.

Under 10 Stead Park

Newtown Strikers vs Geelong Jaguars 10-5

The game this week started off with a very early goal for Jags – and if they weren’t already fully awake, the Strikers quickly were! It wasn’t long before Ryder and Harry paired up to respond, and an equally early goal from Harry had the scores back level. Georgia, Zach and Lily all worked hard to intercept and defend the Jags players, but a short corner for Newtown that was nicely converted to a goal by Zach had the Strikers out to an early lead.

Harry soon scored his second, followed by another goal for Lily after she switched up positions from defense. Georgia and Elspeth ensured the Jags couldn’t trouble us down their end, whilst Ryder continued to have a great game with another assist to Lily for her second.

Some great plays in the field were on display in the later part of the half – a nice switch from Georgia to Zach across the pitch and into the D for Ryder was a great piece of play to watch, as was the pressure Zach piled onto the Jags players in the middle. A nice pass into Harry in the D almost resulted in another goal, but it was the back-and-forth passes from Ryder and Harry that eventually resulted in the last goal of the half for Harry. The Strikers led 6-1 at half time.

In the second half the teams went goal for goal – starting with Georgia’s first goal of the match after yet another assist from Ryder. Despite Zach’s efforts to defend the Jags responded with a goal, but that too got another goal in response from Georgia. The Jag’s goal/Georgia goal pattern played out once more – with Harry in the D assisting both. Great team work from everyone!

A series of short corners towards the end of the game were kept out by good efforts from Elspeth and Lily, and then a “team goal” was scored for the Strikers – Harry, Georgia, Ryder and Elspeth all working hard to make sure the ball got into the net. 

The Jags scored the final goal for the game, but it was Newtown with the win: 10-5.

Newtown Spirit vs Saints 3-1

Under 10 Lloyd Reserve

Newtown Rockets vs Newtown Jets 1-2

The Rockets team continues to improve each week, with Nora and Alex showing great focus and determination to get the ball. Tully took a turn at defending the goal this week, and stopped many of Jets’ forward moves, keeping the score low.

Even with a sore hand, Hadley worked hard to gain possession and was always looking for a team mate to pass to. The second half saw some great passes along the left side from Alex to David and allowed us to move into attack on a number of occasions. Thanks to Zita for filling in for Jets, making some great position and some great passes to space.

Newtown Jets vs Newtown Rockets 2-1

Newtown Rebels vs Newtown Dynamos 0-5

Newtown Dynamos vs Newtown Rebels 5-0

Under 12

Newtown Spirit vs Geelong Thunderstrike 2-1

It was an eerily quiet morning at Stead Park with many players away on school holiday adventures. Those that were available to play made the most of their time on the pitches. Of the 13 players taking the pitch for team Spirit, eight players had already played a game that morning. Three players had already played U10, two Spirit had filled in on the U12 Strikers team and three U12 Strikers filled in for Spirit.

It was a battle of two very even teams, the ball went up and down the pitch all game. The goalies were very rarely challenged, as the ball mostly remained fought over in the middle of the pitch.

Spirit scored early in the first half thanks to a brilliant goal by Paddy. Late in the second half Geelong equalled the scoreboard. It wasn’t until very late in the second half that a goal by Edward S put Spirit ahead and that how the scoreboard remained with a 2-1 win to Spirit.

Hugo walked the sidelines offering his advice for the team which was a positive sign for his recovery. Spirit is hoping to see him back out on the pitch for our next match against Corio.

Goals to Paddy and Edward S.

Newtown Strikers vs Geelong Roar 2-4

Under 14

Newtown Strikers vs Corio 5-0 (forfeit)

Under 16

Newtown Strikers vs Corio 5-0 (forfeit)

Under 14 / Under 16 Friendly

Newtown Strikers vs Newtown Strikers 6-4

With Corio U14 and U16s taking an early school holiday, a friendly played between the two Newtown Strikers teams was an awesome way for our two great teams to show their skills – and see who could walk away with bragging rights!

It was great to see some familiar faces out on the field too, with the holiday game meaning Binuli, Winter and Oliver could all join us for the morning. With the 14s in maroon and the 16s in white (and an assortment of maroon and white socks keeping the umpires busy!) the game started with a goal from an early short corner for the 16s – great stuff, Ivy!

Speaking of umpires, for the first time since this match report can remember, it was great to have both Lyndal and Tony –  two of the best – out on the field keeping the friendly… friendly! Thank you both 🙂

The 16s continued their strong start, with Jess putting the 14s players under pressure and Parker showing off his speed and skills in the middle for a nice intercept. Cormac was strong in defense (meaning Kayden was having a quiet game for a change!) and it wasn’t long before Jess and Oli assisted Ivy to her second. Go 16s!

The 14s soon decided that it was their turn for some fun, with Jack H, Chelsea and Lucy pairing up in the D to attack the goals, but Kayden was having none of it with his first save for the day. It was soon back up the other end, and after a miss from Jess, Parker found the back of the net for the 16s third unanswered goal.

For the rest of the half things started to equal out, with some great defensive plays from Lucas O, pressure from Binuli, strong defense up and down the field from Winter, and more misses on goal from the 16s all making for a great contest to watch. The half time score: 16s up, 3-0 

After what must have been quite the motivational speech from PR at half time, the 14s came out strong with an early goal from Lucy – high in the net too. More attempts on goal had Kayden busy again, and after a short corner went begging the 14s soon had their second. It was game on!

Seemingly already tired and perhaps not used to the full field, the 16s regrouped with Parker and Oli teaming up for Parker’s second. The 14s responded with a goal from Chelsea, and despite more attempts from the 16s on goal they had no such luck.

At 4-3 the 16s way, it was clearly time for some friendly drama!! The 14s drew a short corner – and scored a GOAL – leveling the score 4-4! With the 14s supporters still cheering and players heading back to the center, the umpires blew the whistle to pause the game and convene in the middle… As if time stopped, and with everyone’s eyes fixed on the umpires, the call came – “the ball did not come out of the D… NO GOAL”. No one could believe it!!

Not wanting to lose the lead, the 16s were back on with Liz getting the ball out of the 14s attack and up to Jess and Parker in the D. Both shots and misses ensued, with Albie making a great save in the goals to keep the 14s in it. 

With only a quarter of the game remaining, the equaliser for the 14s came thanks to a handy goal from Chelsea – and this one wasn’t overturned! Before long the 14s were back in their D and trying to find the lead, but the ever-present Kayden was having none of it with a fantastic save. What a game!

The 16s dug deep to find some reserve fuel in their tanks, and Oli and Parker were back into the D again trying to find a goal. An excellent stop from Albie on the first attempt, but the second was too much and Parker had his third.

The 14s weren’t giving up without a fight – a late shot on goal missed, and Jack H’s relentless pressure on Jess won him the ball – but they were unable to find the back of the net. A late goal from Oliver (from a nice hit down the ground from Parker) sealed the game for 16s: 6-4.

Division 1 Women

Newtown Falcons Bye

Division 2 Men

Newtown Falcons Bye

Division 2 Women

Newtown Strikers vs Torquay 1-1

This was another close game with Torquay, finishing with a well fought draw this time.

Strikers’ defence was again very important in the game, with Kirsty and Tash frequently cutting off the Torquay attacks outside the circle. Proactive midfield play and good marking by Hannah, Sarah, Kim and Ruby was able to turn the play to our advantage and send the ball forward again. Tash also pushed forward into attack, working well with Hanna, Peta and Clarice to create opportunities. Kristy and Lara made themselves available with great position on the wings.

Thanks to our goal scorer, Ruby, for filling in, adding strength all over the field.

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia every year in the first week of July. We acknowledge all First Peoples of the beautiful lands on which we live and celebrate their enduring knowledge and connections to Country. We honour the wisdom of and pay respect to Elders past and present.

NAIDOC Week grew from the Aboriginal Rights movement and the 1938 protest against the celebration of Australia Day. In 1955, the event shifted to July and expanded to include celebrations of Indigenous culture and achievements, evolving into the week-long observance we know today. The acronym NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee, which was formed to organize the event.

NAIDOC Week 2025 runs from July 6 to 13, to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week 2025 marks a powerful milestone: 50 years of honoring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience. The 2025 theme, “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy,” celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors. Each NAIDOC Week reinforces our vision for an Australia where Indigenous voices are not only heard but lead the way.

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

Newtown Hockey Club is recognising NAIDOC Week by having our senior teams wear special indigenous socks at matches this weekend. Socks will be available for collection at training on Thursday or before the match this weekend.

There are many things that we as individuals can do to support and recognise NAIDOC Week. Check the details in the attached picture.

Read more
https://www.naidoc.org.au/about/naidoc-week