The Hockeyroos today depart Australia to compete in a three and five test series against Spain and Argentina respectively.
The Hockeyroos will be determined to play at their best during these matches against Spain and Argentina.
Despite playing some great hockey throughout the year, the Hockeyroos have been unable to emerge victorious during the finals of their last two major tournaments.
After playing well against Argentina to force a draw at the end of the Samsung Hockey Champions Trophy final, they went down in the penalty stroke shoot out. Unfortunately history repeated itself only a few short weeks later during the final of the Oceania Cup against New Zealand.
Despite holding a 2-0 lead early in the second half, New Zealand fought their way back to level the scores, then going on to win the penalty stroke shoot out. The Hockeyroos now need to play in another tournament to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
Regardless of these final losses, there can be no denying the improvement of the Hockeyroos throughout the year, winning the Spar Cup against Argentina and South Africa and also defeating world number 1 the Netherlands at the Champions Trophy.
With several retirements following the Beijing Olympics, they are an incredibly young side, highlighted by the inclusion of 17 year old Victorian Georgia Nanscawen.
However coach Frank Murray has looked to some more experienced players during this tournament, recalling the likes of Amy Korner and Shelly Liddelow. Korner returns to the Hockeyroos line up for the first time since 2007, while Liddelow will play her first national game since the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Hockeyroos coach Frank Murray said Korner, who competed at both the 2005 and 2007 Champions Trophy tournaments, will bring extra experience around the goals.
“Korner will add further experience as a striker, she is a proven goal scorer,” said Murray.
Teneal Attard is another notable inclusion in the squad, with the defender playing her first game since injuring her ACL 12 months ago.
“She (Attard) will only get limited game-time, which is a major reason why we will take 19 players on this series,” said Murray.
Players such as Ashleigh Nelson and Alison Bruce have been rewarded for their recent good form with selection in this squad.
“Nelson has played well ever since our tour of South Africa, with good performances at both theChampions Trophy and the recent Oceania Cup. Bruce is another one who continues to show development,” said Murray.
This theme of development will be evident during these matches, with Murray indicating a number of structures will be trialled.
Match Schedule:
All times are local to Spain & Argentina
Terrassa, Spain
Thursday, 1 October 2009 6.00pm
Friday, 2 October 2009 6.00pm
Sunday, 4 October 2009 11.00am
Mendoza, Argentina
Saturday, 10 October 2009 4.00pm
Sunday, 11 October 2009 6.00pm
Monday, 12 October 2009 5.00pm
Wednesday, 14 October 2009 8.30pm
Friday, 16 October 2009 8.30pm
Hockeyroos Squad
1 Toni Cronk
2 Georgia Nanscawen
3 Sarah O’Connor
4 Casey Eastham
5 Alison Bruce
6 Megan Rivers
7 Kim Walker
8 Ashleigh Nelson
10 Kate Hollywood
12 Madonna Blyth
13 Shelly Liddelow
16 Fiona Johnson
17 Emily Hurtz
18 Stacia Joseph
24 Fiona Boyce
27 Rachel Lynch
29 Teneal Attard
30 Amy Korner
31 Claire Messent
Coach: Frank Murray
Assistant Coaches: Katrina Powell & Jason Butcher
Manager: Anne Konrath
Source: Hockey Australia
