Burnie’s Hockey Talent Chasing Gold for Tasmania
Three young Burnie hockey players are preparing to represent Tasmania on the national stage, with Maitland Sayer and twins Will and Connor Stirling selected in the 2026 Tasmanian Under 18 Boys Hockey Team for the upcoming Hockey Australia Under 18 National Championships in Darwin this July.
The trio are the only three players selected from outside of Hobart, highlighting both their talent and dedication to the sport.
Over the coming months, the Burnie-based players and their families will travel more than 4,000 kilometres attending training sessions and making regular trips to Launceston and Hobart as they prepare for the championships.
The opportunity comes with a significant financial commitment, with each player required to contribute more than $5,000 towards the cost of competing. Families, friends and the wider North-West community have rallied behind the boys through fundraising efforts, donated auction items and ongoing support as they chase their hockey dreams.
Bonney Energy is supporting the players’ travel, providing a $500 Ampol fuel voucher to help ease some of the costs associated with attending training.
The boys say they are incredibly proud to represent Tasmania and look forward to competing alongside some of Australia’s best young hockey talent.
Tasmania heads into the championships with confidence after finishing third last year, with this year’s squad aiming to go one step further and bring home gold.
The national championships will be held in Darwin from 3–11 July, with players preparing to adapt from Tasmania’s winter conditions to the Northern Territory heat through a specialised acclimatisation program upon arrival.
For Maitland, Will and Connor, the opportunity represents not only a personal milestone, but also a proud moment for Burnie and Tasmania’s North-West sporting community.