Only minutes earlier the long-time national team member scored a amazing five goals for Australia in a round robin rout of South Africa at the hockey World Cup in India.

The 30-year-old in the 'lucky 13' shirt is a product of the Altona Seagulls, born and bred in the suburb where he wielded a stick for the local club for the first time aged 13.

It is mere coincidence that I was settling in to write a story featuring two of the club's next generation, Chris Coleman and Patrick Phillips.

Could one of the teenage sensations be the next Doerner?

Coleman and Phillips have carved out handy junior careers.

Their selection for the Victorian under-18s to compete at the national titles in Canberra from April 6-17 is the culmination of years of hard work as junior players at the club.

Their star will twinkle even brighter if they can perform under the pressure-cooker spotlight of the national championships.

Seagulls men's coach Darren Duff forecasts big future for both players.

He can also see the pair playing a part in his state league 1 team this winter - but he will not hand a position on a platter.

"I'll open the door and give an opportunity to the youngsters," he said.

"At this point in time the philosophy of the state league 1 team is all about opportunity.

"The focus for me is to see the club succeed over a long time.

"You still need to perform to play state league 1."

A quick learner and a good listener, Coleman was able to knuckle down state selection on "minimal hockey".

The teenager spent most of last year with his head in his books as he completed his Victorian Certificate of Education.

"His focus was all on school and that's great," Duff said.

"He played in our thirds because he couldn't make a lot of training sessions.

"Now that he has got into his course he can start to focus a bit more on his hockey."

Coleman is likely to benefit from the defection of a number of senior players in the summer.

The full-back could nail down a starting position in defence.

"This year is going to be a big year," Duff said.

"He's certainly under the spotlight.

"Hopefully the opportunity will come where he can play in the ones because he's a kid with a lot of talent."

Phillips' selection in the state squad comes down to persistence.

The enterprising right winger missed the cut for the same team 12 months earlier and was not deterred.

His top qualities are his work ethic and quickness off the mark. "He worked extremely hard last year," Duff said.