Coach Katrina Powell has thrown down the gauntlet to aspiring Hockeyroos with spots still up for grabs in the Oceania Cup and next year's Olympic Games.
A total of 37 athletes have been named across three different series over the next two months, headlined by the FIH Pro League 'mini tournament' against New Zealand and Great Britain in Christchurch from April 22-30.
This will be followed by a three-match Test series against India in Adelaide in May and two clashes between an Australia A team and India.
'Show us what you can do,' is the call from Powell.
The squad for Christchurch comprises a core of the 2023 Hockeyroos squad with the additions of Maddison Brooks, Maddison Smith and Abby Wilson, while Alice Arnott (NSW) and Pippa Morgan (WA) are tipped to make their debuts in the three-match series against India.
With the Oceania Cup in August doubling as qualifiers for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Powell said selection would heat up from here on in.
"There is competition for places, so it's important to keep showing up and playing well because at the moment one activity is leading into selection for the next activity as we get closer to the Oceania Cup," said Powell.
"It puts more and more pressure on the athletes to perform which is what we want to see because there will be a lot of pressure at the Oceania Cup and also obviously at the Olympics next year."
The Australia A team to take on India boasts several of Australia's up and coming talent, including Josie Lawton (younger sister of Hockeyroo Amy) and Alana Kavanagh who was named player of the tournament at the recent Australian U21 championships in Sydney.
"The Australia A team is predominantly our national development squad, with many athletes getting an opportunity to play in this team after being part of the national selection camp at the start of the year," said Powell.
"It will be a great opportunity for them to show what they can do against a world-class team."
The Hockeyroos squad for the FIH Pro League series in Christchurch is scheduled to depart for New Zealand on 18 April.
Hockeyroos squad for 3-match series against India:
Alice Arnott (NSW), Jocelyn Bartram (NSW), Maddison Brooks (TAS), Jane Claxton (SA), Morgan Gallagher (QLD), Greta Hayes (NSW), Pippa Morgan (WA), Zoe Newman (NSW), Meg Pearce (QLD), Courtney Schonell (NSW), Hattie Shand (SA), Maddison Smith (NSW), Karri Somerville (WA), Grace Stewart (NSW), Tatum Stewart (QLD), Shanea Tonkin (WA), Abby Wilson (NSW), Georgia Wilson (WA)
Australia A squad for matches against India:
Alice Arnott (NSW), Maddison Brooks (TAS), Olivia Downes (VIC), Rachel Frusher (WA), Morgan Gallagher (QLD), Rene Hunter (NSW), Carly James (VIC), Alana Kavanagh (NSW), Josie Lawton (VIC), Line Malan (WA), Pippa Morgan (WA), Zoe Newman (NSW), Meg Pearce (QLD), Maddison Smith (NSW), Shanea Tonkin (WA), Aisling Utri (VIC), Abby Wilson (NSW), Georgia Wilson (WA).
