2026 Indoor National Championships – ACT Indoor Wrap-Up

Hockey ACT delivered a solid campaign at the 2026 Indoor Hockey National Championships, with teams represented across all age groups and podium performances highlighting the depth, quality, and strength of the ACT indoor program.

The Open Men produced a standout tournament, finishing undefeated and claiming the gold medal with a dominant 7–3 victory over Western Australia in the final. Aiden Dooley named Leading Goal Scorer of the Tournament and Connor Tuddenham awarded Player of the Tournament.

The Open Women showed resilience throughout the championship, recording three wins and four losses to finish 5th overall, remaining competitive against strong national opposition.

The U21 Women progressed to the Bronze Medal match following a solid pool stage of two wins, two draws and three losses, ultimately finishing 4th overall after a narrow loss in the playoff.

The U21 Men gained valuable experience at national level, finishing 6th after one win and five losses, with the tournament providing important development exposure for the group.

Both U18 teams were competitive throughout their campaigns. The U18 Women finished 5th, recording three wins, two losses and one draw, while the U18 Men placed 6th following one win and four losses, continuing to build depth within the pathway.

The U16 Girls delivered a strong tournament performance, finishing 7th after five wins and three losses. Kristen Janse van Rensburg was recognised as Leading Goal Scorer of the Tournament.

The U16 Boys finished 6th, recording two wins and four losses, gaining valuable experience against high-quality opposition.

The U14 Boys progressed to the Bronze Medal match, finishing 4th overall after two wins and three losses during the tournament.

The U14 Girls completed their campaign in 6th place, with one win, one draw and four losses, gaining important national championship experience at the youngest level.

Georgia Staines and Taylor Thomson have been selected in the Australian team to play in the 2026 Big Apple International Indoor Championship in Pennsylvania, USA in February.

A very big congraulations to all ACT representatives who dedicated their time not only across the tournament but throughout the lead us as well.

Officials

Hockey ACT was also proudly represented by a strong cohort of officials across the pool and medal matches throughout the championships:

Open Men

Bronze Medal: Stirling Sharpe, Matthew Firth and Alicia Firth.
Gold Medal: Maryanne Ellem and Wayne Gartner.

Open Women

Bronze Medal: Maryanne Ellem and Alicia Firth.
Gold Medal: Kristy Robertson, Emily Carroll and Wayne Gartner.

U21 Men

Bronze Medal: Alicia Firth and Wayne Gartner.
Gold Medal: Kristen Schenk, Matthew Firth and Maryanne Ellem.

U21 Women

Bronze Medal: Maryanne Ellem and Matthew Firth.
Gold Medal: Jay Blamey, Wayne Gartner and Alicia Firth.

U18 Men

Bronze Medal: Matthew Firth.
Gold Medal: Wayne Gartner.

U18 Women

Bronze Medal: Courtney Booth and Alicia Firth.
Gold Medal: Madeline Dooley and Maryanne Ellem.

U16 Boys

Bronze Medal: Adam Pitt and Belinda Duke.
Gold Medal: Belinda Duke.

U16 Girls

Bronze Medal: Elizabeth Duke, Darrell Chambers and Adam Pitt.
Gold Medal: Alyssa Fisher.

U14 Boys

Bronze Medal: Darrell Chambers and Adam Pitt.
Gold Medal: Belinda Duke.

U14 Girls

Bronze Medal: Darrell Chambers
Gold Medal: Elizabeth Duke