Selected following the conclusion of the Australian Hockey League (AHL) in Sydney, Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens and selectors named a squad brimming with technical ability, including the three young athletes that made their senior international debuts against Korea in Perth last month.

Seeing her name in the squad would have been a relief for Williams after she missed the Perth series with a shoulder injury.

Queenslanders Madison Fitzpatrick and Stephanie Kershaw, and Victorian Laura Barden all debuted in the September series and featured in Friday’s women’s AHL grand final between Queensland Scorchers and Victorian Vipers. 

The Hockeyroos squad comprises 14 of those that earned Australia’s Olympic qualification with a third place finish at the World League semi-final tournament in Antwerp. 

The youthful group includes seven players under the age of 22.

“We feel this is our strongest team at the moment on form,” Commens said. 

“The Oceania Cup is a really important tournament for us. It’s a continuation of our preparation for next year’s Olympic Games and there are vital world ranking points at stake.

“We will field a young midfield with Brooke Peris, Jane Claxton and Mariah Williams all naturally quick athletes with the pace to combat New Zealand’s speed.

“Madonna Blyth, Karri McMahon and Eddie Bone will play in more defensive midfield roles in what we see as a strong combination.”

The Hockeyroos will face the New Zealand Black Sticks in their opening encounter before taking on Samoa and Fiji. All pool matches will be live streamed by Hockey New Zealand.

Hockeyroos’ Oceania Cup Fixtures:

October 21: Hockeyroos v New Zealand (15:30 AEDT).

October 22: Hockeyroos v Samoa (11:30 AEDT).

October 24: Hockeyroos v Fiji (06:00 AEDT).

October 25: Medal Matches - Gold Medal (11:45 AEDT)/ Bronze Medal (07:15 AEDT).