Interview: Hockey One League Preview
Sash Herceg, Hockey One Executive Manager and Simon Mason, GB hockey great talk franchise, free agency and global streaming.
Sash Herceg is in his third season as the Executive Manager of Hockey One, Australia’s premier domestic field hockey competition. The former COO of Hockey Victoria caught up with Poligras ambassador and GB hockey great-turned commentator, Simon Mason for the inside scoop on the Hockey One league before season five rolls into action.
42 of the 44 games will take place on Poligras turfs and can be viewed live, on replay and as highlights in Australia on 7Plus
and from anywhere else in the world on globalpass.hockeyone.com.au
Tell us about the Hockey One format Sash...
Sash: It’s a home and away model between seven clubs who each have a men's and women's team. Both the men’s and women’s teams play on the same day which is unique in the Australian market.
We run a condensed seven-round season followed by the weekend of the final series and it’s the top four men’s and women’s teams who qualify.
What makes it special?
Sash: One of the things that's different to the old Australian Hockey League is that we run a true home and away model. So, Melbourne will travel to Brisbane, Brisbane will travel to Perth and so on rather than all games in a central location. This model allows fans to see their stars on their home turfs.
Canberra vs Brisbane
Does Hockey Australia own the teams?
Sash: Governance wise, the League is owned by Hockey Australia and the seven participating Member Associations (i.e. Hockey Tasmania, Hockey WA, etc.) and has its own Board. Operationally, Hockey Australia provides a license to the Hockey One League to operate the competition, and the Hockey One League enters into participation agreements with each Club.
So, it’s a combination of the Dutch Hockey League with its established clubs and the Hockey India franchise model. Hockey One offers an attractive commercial entity for clubs to attract more fans and commercial revenue.
Why is this an important competition for Hockey Australia?
Sash: It’s important we have a platform that showcases hockey outside of Olympic and Commonwealth Games. With this product, we've got two months every season where we can build on the momentum and provide a platform for our athletes, teams and partners.
“The beauty of the franchise leagues and why I think it’s potentially more exciting than a standard competition, is you just introduce that little element of chaos.”
Perth vs Brisbane
NSW vs Tassie
Hockey One showcases the highest level of hockey in Australia. Simon, as a neutral, where does it sit in comparison to other national leagues?
Simon: The beauty of the franchise leagues and why I think it's potentially more exciting than a standard competition, is you just introduce that little element of chaos.
You put a Spanish center midfield into the middle of a group of Aussies and then suddenly there's a fundamental shift in the playing style which is great for player development. The players can travel, learn new skills and share their style of play. This framework leads to exciting goal-based attacking play.
How are leagues like Hockey One impacting players’ careers Simon?
Simon: I think it changes players’ perspectives on their careers. Players now look at the opportunities that exist within the hockey marketplace, and they are mixing it up. For example, you can play in the Hockey One League in Australia, have your Christmas break and then play in the Hockey India League before starting your international season. So, you could have a season where you don't play club hockey.
Perth vs Brisbane
How did you develop the free agency model and how does it work, Sash?
Sash: The free agency model, which will be introduced from 2026, means that players can play for anyone that's willing to pay them, which gives players the opportunity to earn money whilst not taking away the opportunity to play for their home state. This solution has involved a lot of consultation to deliver a model that suits the players, the clubs and our Board.
What are your growth plans from here Sash?
Sash: We’re expanding our broadcast, launching a new OTT platform which will allow fans to watch the whole match or a three- or eight-minute highlights package, plus we are improving our player relations and the model.
We are looking at potentially expanding the League by adding another club from the 2026 season. Look for more information on this in the coming months.
Is the league becoming more international Sash?
Sash: We’ve got about 30 international players in the league. Unsurprisingly, given the proximity, about nine are New Zealanders. We've got a few South Africans, some Dutch women playing for Adelaide Fire, a couple of the Japanese national players playing for Canberra and some of the English women have returned this year
What’s important is that there is a really good distribution of internationals across the league which will only grow as the international broadcast grows.
Perth vs Brisbane
How do you elevate the experience for the fans at the stadiums?
Sash: The League sets broad parameters; however, the clubs know their markets better than anyone. The clubs have a good level of independence to implement the local initiatives that they think will work in their communities.
We support them with ticket promotions and media but ultimately what happens on the ground is mostly driven by the clubs. We’re anticipating record crowds at the finals in Melbourne this year.
What changes to the format have you introduced to make the games more exciting?
Sash: One of our innovative rule formats allows teams the opportunity for a shootout conversion if they score a field goal. This means one goal can lead to a second, which makes a big impact especially as teams look to make late-in-the-game comebacks.
Also, if it’s a draw at the end of regular time, we go into penalty shootouts, so there's always a winner at the end of the game.
Simon, what is your perspective from the commentary box?
Simon: I think the short and intense franchise model, combined with the natural Aussie all-action style of play, means there is more attacking play. And this creates lots of excitement because each team has international scoring ability in the circle.
There is certainly less slapping it around the back, but because there is so much attacking play there are opportunities for goalkeepers and defenders to be dynamic and stand out, which is great.
Who are the movers and shakers to watch this season, Simon?
Simon: Lachie Sharp has gone from New South Wales Pride to Brisbane Blaze. So that's an interesting shift. Alice Arnott has moved from NSW Pride to Canberra Chill. Tom Craig (a personal favorite of mine) has also moved. A lot of domestic players will play in the Hockey One competition to put themselves in front of the national team selectors so the level of competition will be very high.
The League is played during a key selection window for national players then?
Sash: The new national squads won't be selected until early to mid-December, which coincides with the end of the Hockey One League. So the Hockey One League is literally that last opportunity for up-and-coming players to prove themselves to the coaches like Jed Snowden and Cooper Burns did last year. And 2026 is a World Cup year. Timing wise, it's perfect.
Catch all the 2025 Hockey One season live, on replay and as highlights in Australia on 7Plus
and from anywhere else in the world on globalpass.hockeyone.com.au