The four boys, Dylan Simmons, Luke Potter, Ethan Bambridge and Michael Arthur, were members of the dominant Illawarra South Coast side that defeated Newcastle in the final of the state titles in early November.

The team fell to Newcastle 1-0 in the state field hockey championships earlier this year, but they were able to make amends for the loss with a comprehensive 7-0 victory in the indoor final. 

Illawarra South Coast coach David Johnston was incredibly proud of the team’s efforts and congratulated the four boys on their selection in the state side.

“We lost to Newcastle in the field tournament, so it was very impressive for the team to reverse that result and win with the scoreline we did.” Johnston said.

“It’s an exceptional team and all four boys had a great tournament and are deserving of their selection.”

The boys join Samuel Wright-Smith, NSW boys under 15s, and Neive Campbell and Claire Smallhorn, NSW girls under 15s, in earning state selection and will compete at the national titles in Goulburn in January.

Johnston said the boys were extremely coachable and willing to take feedback on board.

“They listen to you, take heed of what you say and they are able to adjust their play during matches based on what you’re saying.”

Each of the boys provides a unique talent set to the Illawarra South Coast team, but Johnston said they all played an important role in the team’s success at the tournament.

“Dylan plays goalie and he is a very solid player, he made a lot of great saves at the tournament.

“Luke is a midfielder but he is very versatile and can play across a range of positions and reads the play very well. Ethan and Michael are both skillful strikers and excel at scoring goals.

“While they’re only young, all four boys are constantly improving and will hopefully develop into really good players as they get older.”