2026 Grand Final – What a Day!

We had a great day for our Grand Final on Saturday August 22, commencing under the rain and finishing under lights.

It was always going to be a different type of day than what we have been used to. With cars parked close, food vans on hand and a large crowd, it was like a country football match. A great atmosphere. Very different to what we will experience next year.

Firstly congratulations to all of the players, coaches, umpires and officials who gave so much on the day. At 7.15am we had some twenty people already there putting up marques and moving tables and chairs. The Saints club provided a fabulous BBQ and their volunteers were busy all day. You had to get in early for their famous egg and bacon rolls. We must thank all of those from clubland who volunteered their time. We had too many volunteers at one stage which was a good position to be in.

What caught my attention was the hockey talent on display from the Under 12 game at 8.15am to the last game with the Men’s Division 1 game between Torquay and Newtown. Watching the last game I fail to remember a better standard game in my time. It was a thrilling display of skills, fitness and endeavour. Pearce and Tom umpired excellently. While we seek to be the winner the most important part of any sport was clearly evident and that was playing in the right spirit. All players congratulated the other side which was good to see.

The umpiring was exceptional and the day allowed the umpires to take part in their Grand Final. Pearce Frost did a great job in organizing the umpire roster.

The President’s Trophy is awarded to the club that has displayed good organization, promotion of the game and supporting their members. It was an easy decision this year in presenting Torquay the award. Their work in the juniors has been noticed increasing their numbers and growing our sport on their new ground and beyond.

These days take an enormous amount of organisation and we thank Nette Williams for her work over many, many months to allow us to experience a seamless Grand Final day. A huge thank you to you Nette in gathering so many volunteers to undertake so many roles.

To those who received awards we congratulate you and acknowledge your efforts to reach this point.

We all look forward to the new pavilion and the Jim Kirk pitch. The swipe card is passed over to us on the 30th September. Not long to go.

For all who participated in this season a huge thank you. It was always going to be an unusual season and we thank you for your patience and coping with the many challenges along the way.

More information will follow about upcoming events. Best wishes.

U10 Competitions Concluded

Congratulations to the Premiers and Runners Up of the Hockey Geelong U10 Competitions.

Stead Park – Newtown Strikers (Premiers) and Newtown Spirit (Runners Up)
Lloyd Reserve – Newtown Rockets (Premiers) and Newtown Dynamos (Runners Up)

Grand Final Match Results

Under 12 – Newtown Strikers defeated Corio 3-1
Under 14 – Newtown Strikers defeated Corio 4-3
Division 1 Men – Torquay defeated Newtown Rebels 5-3
- Player of the Final – Gil Hassall (Torquay)
Division 1 Women – Torquay defeated Newtown Falcons 11-0
- Player of the Final – Ashlee Craig (Torquay)
Division 2 Men – Torquay Thunder defeated Torquay 2-1
- Player of the Final – Harry Malone (Torquay Thunder)
D2 Women – Torquay defeated Saints 1-0
- Player of the Final – Talei Brooks (Torquay)