Liam’s breakthrough came after a standout 2024 season with Hockey Club Melbourne, earning him a call-up to the Kookaburras. However, shortly after his national debut, a major hamstring tear sidelined him from a European tour, testing not just his body, but his resolve. Through rehabilitation, hard work and the lessons instilled at Trinity, he returned stronger and went on to became one of the headline international recruits in the Hero Indian Hockey League.

Reflecting on his school days, Liam credits Trinity with laying the foundations for both his outlook and his career.

“Highlights of my time at Trinity were the connections I created across different year levels,” he says.

Winning multiple hockey premierships shaped his early success, and beyond sport, principles fostered at Trinity still guide him today.

“At Trinity I learnt the importance of caring for others, being a good person and giving my best to each task. These are standards I still strive for every day.”

Liam’s rise to the Kookaburras was built on persistent and continuous improvement. Often playing two to three years above his age, he learned to adapt to faster and stronger competition.

“It allowed me to grow in every team I was part of,” he explains.

Being selected for the national squad in December 2024 “was a dream come true,” says Liam.

“Telling my family I had made the national team is something I still smile about today. During the first eight games, I felt no pressure, I just played. But as expectations grew, I had to learn how to handle pressure and keep performing, knowing that you can’t be at your best every day.”

Then came the devastating 16cm hamstring tear in May 2025.

Away from the team, Liam focused on his rehab and himself, discovering just how much he loved hockey and how grateful he was for every opportunity to train and play. The “silent work” of recovery taught him patience and resilience.

“Seeing the team play while I couldn’t was hard, but it gave me perspective and strengthened my determination to come back better.”
His resilience was rewarded on the international stage when he was recruited into the Hero Indian Hockey league, placing him among the most sought-after international players.

With crowds of over 20,000, Liam describes playing in India as “electric”.

“The skill level and natural flair of the players is incredible,” he adds.

Liam balances his hockey career with studies in Construction Management at Open Universities Australia and hands-on experience with Amity Building Group during the off season. “Having something to fall back on is crucial,” he explains.
For students dreaming of a professional career in sport, Liam’s message is clear: persistence, mindset and balance matter.

“Strive to be the best in every team, game and training. Sleep well, eat well, train consistently and learn from each session – both the good and the challenging. And don’t underestimate the benefits of stepping away; catching up with friends and family is often the highlight of my week.”

On overcoming setbacks, Liam advises, “face challenges head-on and shift your mindset to focus on learning and improvement. Setbacks are a part of life and seeing them as opportunities to grow will set you apart.”

* Named in honour of Michael Craig (OTG 1948 and member of the Gallery of Achievement) – Australian field hockey player and Olympian.