Normally excitement prevails before a season-opener, but for Old Canberrans and St Patrick's they'll be carrying heavy hearts honouring a coach who impacted both clubs.
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Long-time ACT player and Old Canberrans coach Peter McNally died from a heart attack late last month, and his daughter Samantha plays for St Patrick's.
The two clubs are likely to wear black arm bands to honour McNally when they clash at Carter Field on Sunday, and Old Canberrans player Nicole Shaw said the team is desperate to honour McNally's legacy.
McNally took over from Craig Apps as coach for this season and the team has made a pact to adopt the aggressive mindset he instilled in them.
"It was really, really hard because Macca was doing some good things with the girls and had a lot of confidence in the squad he'd put together," Shaw said.
"It was a big shock but we all pulled together and we know what he wanted out of the season, we have to keep going.
"He wanted everyone to get in, have a go and not be scared of trying new things.
"He always said if you don't do something right, keep at it. Don't be afraid to just get in there really and discipline with fitness, it's been a better preparation we've had in previous years.
"We do [feel like we're playing for Peter] a little bit, we want to do him proud for all the preparation and hard work he put in at the start of the season."
Samantha's support network at St Patrick's has been invaluable as she grieves the loss of her father.
Teammate Rachel Brady said it was fate they've been drawn to play Old Canberrans first up.
"She's a very strong young girl," Brady said.
"She recently went away at nationals for under-21s and played really well there.
"I think it will definitely bring a tear to her eye but think it will be good for her to play, and it's fitting for us to be playing them.
"We made her feel welcome, she came to training a few days after it happened and we've tried to help her stay strong."
St Patrick's were eliminated in the preliminary final last year and despite an upheaval of the roster, Brady believes they can improve by making the decider.
"We've had a few outs this year from the first-grade team but gained a few really good ones,'' she said.
"A lot of the girls haven't played many finals or played in a grand final, it would to good to go one or two better this year."
HOCKEY CAPITAL LEAGUE
SATURDAY
Men: Tuggeranong Vikings v St Patrick's at Taylor Field, 1.45pm; Goulburn v Wests at Goulburn, 2.40pm; Central v United at Carter Field, 3.30pm; Albury v Old Canberrans at Albury, 3.30pm
Women: Tuggeranong Vikings v Goulburn at Goulburn, 1.30pm; United v Albury at Powell Field, 1.45pm.
SUNDAY
Men: Albury v Old Canberrans at Albury, 11am
Women: ANU v North Canberra at Carter Field, 12.30pm; St Patrick's v Old Canberrans at Carter Field, 2pm; Central v University at Carter Field, 3.30pm
