Burras Ready to Take on the World in Chennai

Australia’s under-21 men’s hockey team — the Burras — have announced their squad for the 2025 FIH Junior World Cup, to be held in Chennai, India from 20th November to 12th December.

After a golden run at the 2025 Sultan of Johor Cup, confidence is high among the group heading into this year’s pinnacle tournament. Head coach Jay Stacy said the players have earned the right to believe they can challenge the best in the world.

“Of course, the first step is to qualify for the quarterfinals, but with the team that we have, and the confidence and belief we’ve built from winning the Johor Cup, I’m hoping we can go deep into the tournament,” Stacy said. 

“We’ve got a group that’s growing not only in skill but also in maturity and leadership.”

While the team features several new faces, the Burras will again be led by co-captains Toby Mallon and Dylan Downey both of whom have become key figures in the squad’s leadership group.

“Toby has really grown in his leadership skills,” Stacy said. 

“We’ve built a culture where most of the guys lead within the group. It takes all types to make up a team — some are more vocal, some lead quietly — but the balance is right. 

“Dyl has also really stepped up as a leader. Together, they bring calmness, experience, and a strong understanding of how a Junior World Cup operates — from tournament play to preparation and off-field standards.”

Between them, the pair have amassed close to 30 international caps at under-21 level, providing valuable experience for a team that continues to blend youth and maturity.

The Burras’ preparation has been extensive, with a packed schedule that included the Oceania qualifiers, a European tour, and the Sultan of Johor Cup. 

Stacy said those experiences have been essential in developing both the team’s competitive edge and its professionalism off the pitch.

“The experience of the three events in 2025 was invaluable,” he said. 

“We don’t often get the chance to travel internationally because of funding and distance, so being able to play five of Europe’s best nations, plus India, was fantastic. 

‘’The Junior World Cup qualifier in New Zealand was another great challenge — they’re improving all the time. 

‘’And Johor gave us the chance to test ourselves against Pakistan, Great Britain, and India — teams we might well meet again in Chennai.”

For Stacy, international travel is about more than just match play. It’s also a vital test of how players adapt to the demands of life as professional athletes.

“It’s not just about the hockey,” Stacy said. 

“Touring teaches players to handle the heat, manage their nutrition, and maintain high performance standards off the pitch. 

“Even small details — like sticking to bottled water or managing recovery in tough conditions — are part of their growth as athletes.”

That attention to detail and player-driven culture have become hallmarks of the Burras program under Stacy’s guidance. 

The coaching staff have encouraged the players to take ownership of preparation, scouting, and team standards — an approach designed to mirror the expectations of the senior national program.

“We like a lot of that to be player-led,” Stacy explained. 

“They’re well aware of that responsibility, and we’ve had some lessons along the way where it hasn’t gone as well as it could have. 

“But that’s part of the development. Even though we win tournaments, there are always opportunities to grow. 

“With the senior guys we’ve got — players who have already played 25 or 30 international matches — that experience is going to be really valuable.”

With the team settled and preparations complete, the focus now turns to performing on the world stage. Stacy said the group is determined to carry the momentum from recent success into the Junior World Cup.

“Whilst we expect to perform well and aim to win tournaments we contest, we also understand we have the responsibility of producing the next Kookaburras. I believe we have done this very well in the past and I expect 2025 will be no different” he said. 

“Even when we’re winning, there are always lessons to take away. The players have been learning and leading together, and that’s what makes this group special.”

The 2025 Burras Junior World Cup squad features players from every corner of Australia, reflecting the depth of young hockey talent across the country.

Goalkeepers: Magnus McCausland (TAS), Matt Edwards (WA)
Defenders: Dylan Downey (NSW), Ian Grobbelaar (WA), Oliver Stebbings (TAS), Dylan Brick (ACT), Jack Pritchard (TAS), Noah Fahy (QLD)
Midfielders: Toby Mallon (NSW), Lachlan Rogers (TAS), Lucas Toonen (SA), Matthew Hawthorne (QLD), Oliver Will (VIC)
Strikers: Patrick Andrew (WA), Duncan Jackson (VIC), Kade Leigh (VIC), Daykin Stanger (QLD), Oscar Sproule (TAS)
Non-travelling reserves: Tom Campbell (QLD), Oscar Pritchard (TAS)

The Burras will open their Junior World Cup campaign in Chennai on 29th November against Bangladesh.