Magnus McCausland, Angus McMullen and Oliver Stebbings have been selected for the inaugural intake of Hockey Australia’s Talent Accelerator 2032 (TA32) initiative.

The three Tasmanians are among 21 athletes invited to join the program, which is designed to help develop the next generation of Kookaburras and Hockeyroos on the pathway to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.

Their selection followed a two-year assessment process led by TA32 Technical Lead Hugh Purvis and Hockey Australia Pathway Technical Director Mark Knowles. The pair tracked athletes at National Championships, pathway tours and training camps before interviewing a shortlist of candidates.

Purvis said the selections reflected both the athletes’ ability and their approach to their development.

“This group represents many years of watching, assessing and getting to know these athletes, both on and off the field,” Purvis said.

“The athletes are exceptionally talented but what stands out was how each of them talked about their passion for the game, desire to master their craft and take ownership of their own development. That’s exactly what TA32 is built to support.”

The initiative will provide individualised planning and support for each athlete, including skill development and mentorship. It will continue to support those who progress into the national teams, working alongside Kookaburras and Hockeyroos coaches between tours and competitions.

The inaugural cohort comprises athletes aged 17 to 22. Hockey Australia anticipates several could progress into the Kookaburras or Hockeyroos within the next one to two years, while the program’s longer-term focus remains Brisbane 2032.

TA32 begins on 1 October. McCausland, McMullen and Stebbings are set to join the cohort for its first scheduled activity, a Skill Acquisition Camp at the South Australian Sports Institute from 27–30 November.

For the three Tasmanians, selection offers another opportunity to build on their development and push for future national team honours.