We caught up with GB superstars Fiona Crackles and Sarah Robertson to hear about their incredible experience playing in Australia's Hockey One League.
Fiona Crackles
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What enticed you exactly to making the move over to Tassie Tigers? How’s that experience been?
The Hockey One seemed like the perfect challenge incorporating both hockey and exploring for a post Paris Olympics change of scenery. Tassie specially was very appealing based on its scenery and adventurous nature.
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What’s been the highlight of your time in Tasmania? Both on and off the pitch.
Making the Hockey One finals for the first time in 40 years felt very special to be a part of that history and for those finals to also be in Hobart made it even better. Also being the first woman to play in shorts during the Hockey One felt like a meaningful accomplishment to hopefully promote uniform choice for girls and women down under.
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What would you say to other players thinking of making the move Down Under and competing in the Hockey One League?
I'd 100% recommend it. Specially the team and setup in Tasmania was phenomenal. All the people, players and staff are friendly and go above and beyond to showcase their beautiful island and make you feel at home.
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What’s the hockey atmosphere like in Australia compared to the Premiership in England?
Playing both women's and men's fixtures at the same ground just hours a part made the atmosphere at games really good, often bringing in crowds of a couple thousand to games was normal. Also, the fixtures being streamed on mainstream TV with live pundits really made the whole league feel more professional compared to what we are use to with the English Premier league.
Sarah Robertson
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What enticed you exactly to making the move over to Tassie Tigers? How’s that experience been?
For me it was about a having a break post Olympics and a chance to put my GB career behind me as I move on to a new chapter with Grays in January.
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What’s been the highlight of your time in Tasmania? Both on and off the pitch.
Highlight was qualifying for finals and playing in front of a home crowd for the first time in over 40 years for Tasmania Tigers Women's team.
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What would you say to other players thinking of making the move Down Under and competing in the Hockey One League?
Would recommend to anyone, everyone has been so friendly and welcoming to us as imports! The standard of hockey is as really good and it's a short fast paced league!
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What’s the hockey atmosphere like in Australia compared to the Premiership in England?
Hockey in Australia is a lot more direct than in the UK so it was good to experience a different style but also take some of my experience over there!
