The 2025 ONE Active Hockey One League Finals Series delivered a thrilling opening day of action at Melbourne’s State Netball & Hockey Centre, with four gripping semi-finals setting the stage for a blockbuster Sunday of Grand Finals. From Perth’s commanding display to Tassie’s shootout heroics, fans were treated to the very best of Australian hockey.
PERTH THUNDERSTICKS 6 def NSW PRIDE 0 – Women’s Semi-Final
The Perth Thundersticks advanced to the women’s Grand Final with a statement 6–0 victory over NSW Pride, dominating from start to finish in a clinical team performance.
Lexie Pickering starred with a hat-trick, supported by doubles from Neasa Flynn and a goal from Courtney Schonell as Perth’s attack fired on all cylinders. Their high press and disciplined structure forced turnovers all over the pitch, smothering NSW’s attempts to build momentum and restricting their attacking opportunities.
Perth’s connection in midfield and precision in the circle proved decisive, turning defence into attack with trademark efficiency. The Thundersticks have been building toward this level of dominance all season, and their form suggests they will take some stopping in Sunday’s decider.
They now advance to face HC Melbourne in the Grand Final, while NSW Pride will meet Adelaide Fire in the bronze medal match.
TASSIE TIGERS 6 (2–1 SO) def BRISBANE BLAZE 6 – Men’s Semi-Final
The men’s semi-final between Tassie Tigers and Brisbane Blaze will go down as one of the most entertaining matches in Hockey One history, with Tassie prevailing 2–1 in a dramatic shootout after a 6–6 thriller.
Both sides showcased their firepower and physicality in a high-tempo contest. Brisbane’s Joel Rintala was exceptional with four goals, supported by Elijah Mathewson and Hayden Pease, while Tassie responded through a Sam McCulloch hat-trick and goals from Keenan Johnson, Josh Brooks and Tyson Johnson.
The momentum swung throughout, with neither team giving an inch. When the match moved to a shootout, Tassie goalkeeper Ben Rennie emerged as the hero, pulling off crucial saves to send the Tigers into the Grand Final.
They will now meet HC Melbourne in a highly anticipated decider, while Brisbane Blaze turn their attention to the bronze medal match against NSW Pride.
HC MELBOURNE 4 def ADELAIDE FIRE 2 – Women’s Semi-Final
HC Melbourne booked their place in the women’s Grand Final after a hard-fought 4–2 victory over Adelaide Fire in front of a passionate home crowd.
Melbourne’s scoring spread across Sophie Taylor, Aisling Utri, Hannah Cotter and Zali Ward, while Laura Barden struck for a determined Adelaide side that refused to go quietly.
Even as a series of cards tested their resolve late, Melbourne held firm to secure the result.
It sets up a mouthwatering Grand Final against Perth Thundersticks — a battle between the league’s two most consistent teams. Adelaide will meet NSW Pride in the bronze medal match.
HC MELBOURNE 9 def NSW PRIDE 3 – Men’s Semi-Final
HC Melbourne’s men’s team produced a commanding performance on home turf, defeating NSW Pride 9–3 in a goal-laden semi-final to storm into the Grand Final.
Melbourne’s attack was irresistible, led by Liam Henderson’s energy and creativity. Goals came from Peter Scott, Cooper Burns, Nathan Ephraums, Ben White (2), Dan Smits (2) and Ky Willott (2), reflecting the depth and balance of their strike force.
NSW Pride fought hard through Blake Govers and Dylan Martin, who found the net twice, but were unable to match Melbourne’s speed, accuracy and transition play. The result underlined the home side’s attacking depth and set up a mouthwatering Grand Final clash with Tassie Tigers.
The Pride will regroup to face Brisbane Blaze in the bronze medal playoff.