The homecoming of four-time Greater Northern League winner Samantha Lawrence back into the fold is one of three big changes for Tasmanian hockey.
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Lawrence has cast aside a stint at the Victorian Vipers for the other side of Bass Strait to join the Van Demons.
The women’s state team will start its short three-game Australian Hockey League campaign on Saturday prior to finals back in Tasmania for the first time in eight years.
Hockey Australia scrapped its one-venue tournament format at the end of the 2017 season, resulting in a home and away series.
Van Demons coach Ilene Carr said luring the West Devonport GNL star will boost the chances against ACT.
“Sam has been one of the best performed athletes in the GNL competition for the last few years,” Carr said.
“To be able to add Sam to our midfield group is great.
“She has a strong aerobic capacity and is really good with the ball.”
Lawrence will be joined by returning class acts Sofie McLeod and Jean Flanagan in the first of Hobart’s two scheduled home encounters.
It will now be the first time in a decade the Van Demons will be an all-Tasmanian side.
Carr is backing in her charges, having pushed a strong ACT rival the last time the two teams met.
“Having a fully Tasmanian team in 2018, I’m excited to see how we perform against Australia’s best,” Carr said.
“We had a close 1-0 loss last year where ACT scored with around 5 minutes to go.
“So we must take our opportunities when we get them this time.”
Phillida Bridley, Laura Spandler, Nellie Paynter are also set to play for the first time in the AHL.
The three debutants will exceed the number of new Tasmanian players playing in just as many years.
“We have a number of younger athletes who will make their debut,” Carr said.
"It’s the most [debutants] we have had for some time and they are all long-term prospects.”
Bridley, Spandler, Paynter, Julia Gunn and Evie Dalton made the cut after ANL squads this year were reduced to 14 players only.
Carr would not rule out that she has uncovered the next Hockeyroo.
“They are all exciting prospects, who bring different skill sets to the team,” she said. “It’s exciting to have them involved and I’m confident that they will relish their opportunity.”