At the India Hockey League (IHL) auction, Australian hockey star Jeremy Hayward emerged as one of the most sought-after international players, securing a deal worth 42 lakhs (AUD 74,116) with Soorman Hockey Club. The Darwin-born Kookaburras defender, fresh from his second Olympic appearance in Paris 2024, was the third most expensive international player picked on the auction’s opening day.
“It was a nice little surprise yesterday! These auctions can sometimes be down to a bit of luck, and being drawn on the first day definitely helps,”
Hayward said, reflecting on his selection.
Hayward’s stock has risen sharply over the past year, having played a key role in securing the FIH Pro League title for Australia and being named Best Defender at the 2023 World Cup. His addition to the Punjab-based Soorman Hockey Club pairs him with Indian captain and star defender Harmanpreet Singh, who broke a League record with a 78 lakh (AUD 137,575) signing.
“I’m over the moon to finally be on the same side as Harmanpreet. He’s been such an important player for India, and now I can learn from him and play alongside the Indian captain,”
Hayward said.
Australian Players in High Demand
The auction proved to be a lucrative event for Australian talent, with 11 more of Hayward’s Kookaburras teammates also fetching impressive deals. Tim Brand, a two-time Olympian, became the second most expensive Australian player, going to Hyderabad Toofans for 28 lakhs (AUD 49,432).
The demand for Australia’s world-class defenders was evident as Hayden Beltz, part of the extended Kookaburras squad, was picked up by Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers for 13 lakhs (AUD 22,929). The Kolkata-based team, making its IHL debut, also signed former Kookaburras coach Colin Batch, bringing him back into the fold after his recent departure from Australia’s national team.
Other key signings included Aran Zalewski, captain of the Kookaburras, who was acquired by Kalinga Lancers for 27 lakhs (AUD 47,666), and prolific striker Blake Govers, who was snapped up by the Tamil Nadu Dragons for the same amount. Fellow Kookaburras Tom Craig and Nathan Ephraums joined Govers at Tamil Nadu, completing a formidable attacking lineup.
Reinforcing Australia’s Global Hockey Influence
The strong demand for Australian players at the auction reflects the Kookaburras’ consistent global dominance. Several top names, including Flynn Ogilvie and Ky Willott, were signed by the newly launched Delhi SG Pipers, coached by Australian hockey legend Graham Reid.
Reid, who guided India to a historic bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, continues to strengthen ties between Australian and Indian hockey through his recruitment of key Australian talent.
This year’s auction also marked the return of the Hockey India League after a seven-year hiatus, with teams vying for a five-week season starting from December 28, 2024, to February 1, 2025. Over 400 domestic Indian players and 150 international players entered the auction, making it a highly competitive event.
For Australian players like Hayward, Beltz, and Brand, the IHL offers not just a financial boost but a unique opportunity to showcase their skills on a global stage, fostering further collaboration between Australian and Indian hockey communities.
As the Hockey India League gears up for its much-anticipated return, all eyes will be on these star Kookaburras as they look to make their mark in one of the sport’s most exciting leagues.
Full List of Australian Players in the 2024 Hockey India League:
- Jeremy Hayward – NT – Soorman HC – 42 lakhs
- Tim Brand – NSW – Hyderabad Toofans – 28 lakhs
- Aran Zalewski – WA – Kalinga Lancers – 27 lakhs
- Blake Govers – NSW – Tamil Nadu Dragons – 27 lakhs
- Tom Craig – NSW – Tamil Nadu Dragons – 20 lakhs
- Tim Howard – QLD – Team Gonasika – 20 lakhs
- Lachlan Sharp – NSW – Rarh Bengal Tigers – 18 lakhs
- Nathan Ephraums – VIC – Tamil Nadu Dragons – 17 lakhs
- Hayden Beltz – TAS – Rarh Bengal Tigers – 13 lakhs
- Ky Willott – NSW – Delhi SG Pipers – 10.5 lakhs
- Mathew Dawson – NSW – Hyderabad Toofans – 10 lakhs
- Flynn Ogilvie – NSW – Delhi SG Pipers – 10 lakhs
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