Jay Stacy Reflects on Four-Year Tenure as Burras Head Coach

As the Burras prepare to contest the upcoming FIH Junior World Cup, head coach Jay Stacy is set to lead Australia’s junior men for the final time, closing out a four-year tenure after serving the maximum two terms in the role.

Stacy’s time overseeing Australia’s national junior program has been defined by international success and the elevation of young talent into the senior ranks — achievements he says sit at the heart of his pride in the position.

“It’s been a really good journey,” Stacy said. “I’m really pleased with what we’ve been able to achieve, not only result-wise in tournaments and qualifying for the Junior World Cup, but also the number of players who have progressed into the Kookaburras. That’s something I’m very proud of.”

Appointed in 2022, Stacy has guided a period of steady growth highlighted by the Burras’ triumph at this year’s Sultan of Johor Cup, their first under his leadership.

“Winning Johor this year was probably the highlight,” he said. “We’d made the final a few times and fallen just short against some quality opposition, so to finally win one with a group of young players, some experienced and some new was really special.”

With coaching experience spanning Europe, India and the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS), Stacy says the Burras role has been among the most rewarding challenges of his career.

“It’s right up there because it’s multilayered and challenging,” he said. “We’re a decentralised program, so we don’t get to work with players daily like some nations. Our selection is based on a limited window, and we’ve worked hard to maximise every opportunity to expose players to international hockey.”

That developmental focus has translated into significant milestones — several members of the Burras’ 2023 Junior World Cup team have made their Kookaburras debuts in this year’s FIH Pro League.

“Seeing athletes you’ve coached go on to play for the Kookaburras is probably the biggest highlight of all,” Stacy said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see players from across the country — Victoria, WA, NSW and beyond, step up and perform on the world stage.”

Stacy also praised the resilience and maturity of the young athletes he has mentored, noting that the program’s culture has become a defining strength.

“Tournament hockey teaches you a lot about how players respond under pressure, bounce back from setbacks and continually improve,” he said. “We’ve built a really strong culture within the Burras, and the Junior World Cup is the pinnacle for any young athlete. It’s been great to see the players embrace that.”

Burras co-captain Toby Mallon, who first played under Stacy during the 2022 tour to Johor, said the outgoing head coach has been instrumental in shaping his development on and off the field.

“He’s been massive in my development in the last couple of years across multiple tours,” Mallon said. “Not only as a player but as a leader. He’s been crucial for my development.”

Mallon said Stacy’s communication style allowed players to grow with confidence.

“Jay has always been an open book with me and that makes it easy to work with him.”

Reflecting on this year’s breakthrough Sultan of Johor Cup win, Mallon said the moment carried extra significance because of the team’s history under Stacy.

“Johor was for sure a massive highlight. Being in the final four years in a row to then finally get a win on the fourth attempt was something very special,” he said. “Losing three was pretty tough but it was great to get that win under Jay.”

Although stepping away from the Burras program, Stacy will continue his work at the VIS and remain part of Hockey Australia’s national development pathways.

“The strategy of providing coaches with these development opportunities is really important,” he said. “To lead a program over two Junior World Cup cycles is invaluable experience. I’ll still be involved and will help in whatever way I can.”

Looking ahead to the Junior World Cup, Stacy says fans can expect an exciting brand of hockey from a confident and ambitious Australian squad.

“They’re a dynamic and creative group,” he said. “They just need to trust each other and believe they can perform at the highest level. We want to play strong, attacking hockey and showcase the depth of Australian talent.”

With 24 nations competing in this year’s expanded tournament, Stacy believes the event will highlight the increasing strength of junior hockey worldwide — and Australia’s rising pool of emerging talent.

“The depth across Australia is definitely improving,” Stacy said. “Young players are in a hurry these days, but we encourage them to keep striving and improving. Missing selection once doesn’t mean the end — keep working with your state coaches and act on feedback. The opportunities are there.”

As he prepares for one final campaign at the helm, Stacy says he will leave the Burras program with immense pride and optimism for the future.

“It’s been a privilege to coach this group of young men and to contribute to their development,” he said. “The Burras program is in great shape, and I’m excited to see where the next generation takes it.”