Bentley Thundersticks boast strong pre-season squad

The selectors named a strong group that includes a number of athletes who were identified as future prospects.

Chairman of selectors John Bestall said the squad would start training immediately.

“The squad has primarily been updated to provide clarity for the athlete group and our program staff. This will ensure we utilise the next six weeks productively,” he said.

“Obviously our national players won’t be part of this conversation and some players will be focused primarily on recovery and regeneration, but there are a multitude of support mechanisms we are looking to put in place for athletes in the group which will allow us to be in a stronger position before preparation starts in July.”

Assistant coach Dean Evans said he wanted to see players committed in and out of the squad.

“It’s important athletes continue to work hard inside and outside of the program; this squad is obviously an indication of where the selectors see the group … we (want to) know there are a number of quality players not on this list that will come into consideration.”

The Thundersticks have played in three of the last four Australian Hockey League grand finals, finishing second each time.