Premier League Round 20 Preview

Premier League Round 20 Preview

The Premier League regular season reaches its conclusion on Saturday, with the remaining finals positions to be decided across six Round 20 matches at the Aurora Energy Tasmanian Hockey Centre.

While the Women’s top four is locked in, DiamondBacks and OHA remain separated by just one point in the battle for second place and the valuable double chance.

DiamondBacks control their own destiny when they open the round against University. A victory would guarantee the defending premiers a top-two finish, while any dropped points would leave the door open for OHA later in the afternoon.

The Stueys have already secured fourth place and enter the final round in strong form, having won their past two matches and recorded their biggest victory of the season against Derwent last weekend, with a fit again Holly Gilbar making a significant impact.

With the Minor Premiership all but wrapped up barring an enormous defeat paired with a big DiamondBacks win, North West Graduates will look to complete their regular season on a winning note when they face Canterbury. The Bulldogs all but secured top spot with last weekend’s emphatic 4–0 victory over OHA, while the Lions will be aiming to finish their campaign with an upset after seeing their finals hopes ended.

OHA then meet Derwent in the final Women’s match of the day. The Ships must win and hope University can take points from DiamondBacks earlier in the day to reclaim second place, while Derwent have one final opportunity to secure their first victory of the season. If DiamondBacks win, then neither side can change their ladder position.

The other interesting wrinkle to be decided in final day action is the Golden Stick, with Ashleigh Arthur of NWG and Phillida Bridley of DiamondBacks locked on 19 goals apiece. With DiamondBacks first up, Arthur will know what is required when she takes the field in the following clash.

The Men’s action begins with a pivotal clash between Canterbury and North West Graduates. The Bulldogs sit two points behind second-placed DiamondBacks and must win to put the pressure on the Snakes ahead of their match against University later in the day.

Canterbury also remain alive in the battle for fourth place, sitting narrowly behind Derwent. A result against the Bulldogs would heap pressure on the Strikers, who face OHA in the second match of the afternoon and will know exactly what they need to do to retain their place in the top four.

Round 20 concludes with minor premiers University facing DiamondBacks in a top-of-the-table battle and potential finals preview. If NWG win earlier in the day, the Snakes will enter the match knowing they need at least a point to finish second. Their significant goal-difference advantage means a draw would be enough to keep them ahead of the Bulldogs if both sides finish level on 39 points.

University have already secured top spot and enter the final round in imposing form, having scored 16 unanswered goals across their past two matches. However, DiamondBacks have repeatedly tested the reigning premiers this season, including holding them to a dramatic 3–3 draw in their second meeting.

With the double chance and the final place in the Men’s top four still to be decided, the last day of the regular season promises to deliver plenty of drama.

Round 20 Fixtures

Saturday 29 August

Women

DiamondBacks v University, 11:45am, THC 1

Canterbury v NWG, 1:15pm, THC 1

OHA v Derwent, 2:45pm, THC 1

Men

Canterbury v NWG, 11:45am, THC 2

OHA v Derwent, 1:15pm, THC 2

DiamondBacks v University, 2:45pm, THC 2