Hockey1: ONE Active Hockey One League – Round Seven Wrap: The Finals Are Set

The final round of the 2025 ONE Active Hockey One League brought high drama, weather interruptions, and finals dreams realised — and dashed — across the country. With results shaping the last pieces of the puzzle, the stage is now set for the semi-finals in Melbourne this coming weekend.

MEN’S COMPETITION

FRIDAY – Canberra Chill v Tassie TigersThe opening fixture of Round 7 between Canberra Chill and Tassie Tigers was unfortunately cancelled due to travel circumstances, meaning both sides were denied one last chance to close their campaigns on a high. The result was particularly disappointing for Canberra’s James Day, who was set to play his final match for the club after years of service and leadership.

SATURDAY – Adelaide Fire 0 def. by Brisbane Blaze 9 – HighlightsAdelaide’s season ended much as it began — disrupted by weather and dominated by their opponents. Following a lengthy lightning delay that forced the match to be shortened to just half a game, Brisbane Blaze stamped their authority once again, piling on goals through Lachlan Sharp, Jacob Anderson, Joseph Sandor, and Joel Rintala. Their comprehensive showing secured Brisbane the minor premiership, capping off an outstanding regular season campaign. The win also elevated Rintala and Anderson up the goal-scoring charts, although Blake Govers’ strike on Sunday would ultimately earn him the Golden Stick title.

SUNDAY – Perth Thundersticks 1 def. by NSW Pride 2 – HighlightsWith the men’s ladder already decided, Sunday’s clash in Perth was about sharpening edges ahead of Melbourne for NSW Pride. The Thundersticks, playing for pride after narrowly missing the top four, made the NSW Pride work for every opportunity. Matt Dawson made a welcome return to the Hockey One stage, while Blake Govers continued his clinical form, drag-flicking home in the second quarter to seal the top scorer honour. Perth responded through Brodee Foster, whose strike gave the home fans something to cheer in a hard-fought 2–1 result for the Pride.

WOMEN’S COMPETITION

FRIDAY – Canberra Chill 2 def. by Tassie Tigers 4 – HighlightsIt was a do-or-die clash in Canberra, with both teams fighting for the final spot in the women’s top four. Tayla Claxon opened the scoring for Tassie within the first four minutes, igniting early belief for the visitors. Canberra hit back in the second quarter through Lucinda Nash and Mikayla Evans, levelling the contest and restoring hope. But in the dying seconds of the third term, Phillida Bridley struck decisively — a field goal and conversion that swung momentum firmly Tassie’s way. The Tigers held firm in the final quarter to clinch a 4–2 win, officially ending Canberra’s finals dreams and moved themselves into the top four facing a nervous wait for the results of Perth’s match.

SATURDAY – Adelaide Fire 2(3) def. Brisbane Blaze 2(2) – HighlightsIn a match delayed and disrupted but no less dramatic, Adelaide Fire sent off Margot van Geffen in style with the legendary Dutch defender playing her final game in the City of Churches before this week’s Finals Series. Blaze opened controversially through Ruby Harris, but Adelaide refused to yield, with Miki Spano equalising in the third quarter. The deadlock forced a shootout, where the Fire held their nerve to secure the bonus point. For Brisbane Blaze, it marked a season of firsts — but not the kind they wanted — as they finished without an outright win and missed the finals for the first time in the competition’s history.

SUNDAY – Perth Thundersticks 6 def. NSW Pride 5 – HighlightsThe stakes were sky-high in Perth: win, and the Thundersticks would qualify for finals; lose, and their season was over. Madi Ratcliffe rose to the occasion spectacularly, scoring all six goals for Perth in a game that swung wildly across four quarters. The opening term saw five goals in as many minutes, with Pride’s Chelsea Holmes and Grace Stewart finding the net before Alana Kavanagh and Grace Young brought the game level by the third quarter. But in the final three minutes, Ratcliffe delivered again — a clinical penalty corner strike that sealed a famous victory, ended NSW’s unbeaten run, and confirmed Perth’s ticket to Melbourne. The two sides will now meet again in what promises to be a thrilling semi-final rematch.

With the regular season complete, attention turns to Melbourne for the 2025 ONE Active Hockey One Finals Series.

The Brisbane Blaze (men) enter as minor premiers, joined by HC Melbourne, NSW Pride, and Tassie Tigers in the top four. In the women’s draw, NSW Pride were the minor premiers, with HC Melbourne, Adelaide Fire, and Perth Thundersticks rounding out the top four who will battle it out for championship glory.

After seven weeks of fierce competition, weather drama, and remarkable performances, the best of Australian hockey is set to converge — and only one team from each side will lift the Hockey One trophy.