A Tim Brand hat-trick in the first half paved the way for NSW Pride to claim the inaugural Hockey One men's championship by thrashing Brisbane Blaze 8-3 in Melbourne on Saturday.
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The win caps off a remarkable season for the Pride, who went through the competition undefeated to secure New South Wales' first national title since 2005.
Pride co-captain Matt Dawson and teammate Ky Willott both hail from Hunter Coast Premier Hockey League club Norths. Blues coach Dave Willott is also the NSW assistant.
Brand's treble rocked the Blaze before NSW piled on five goals in the final quarter at the State Hockey and Netball Centre to win the revamped domestic league in emphatic fashion.
Brisbane opened the scoring when Joel Rintala was on target with their first penalty corner but Brand replied two minutes later and then slammed home his bonus conversion to give NSW a lead they never relinquished.
Brand was on target again before half-time. Jack Hayes and Flynn Ogilvie found the net and added their bonus conversions to allow NSW to coast home.
"We had a game plan we worked with throughout the eight weeks ... for the players to execute it and realise the importance of playing for their teammates was amazing," NSW coach Brent Livermore said.
"The result was probably a bit flattering, it was a tough battle."
The win was especially pleasing for veteran Ogilvie.
"I played in the old Australian Hockey League for seven years and didn't get a chance to win one, so to win it now is amazing and great for the state," he said.
Meanwhile, Brisbane beat hosts Hockey Club Melbourne in a penalty shootout to secure the women's crown after scores were locked at 1-all at full-time.