The Hockeyroos recently held a successful media launch to announce their Commonwealth Games squad and coach Frank Murray announced his retirement following the Commonwealth Games.
On Friday 17th September a media launch was held at the Perth Hockey Stadium to announce the Hockeyroos’ 2010 Commonwealth Games squad.
The 16 player squad was announced with players Madonna Blyth, Kobie McGurk and Fiona Boyce all speaking to the media.
Captain Madonna Blyth said that the team was looking to put their recent 5th place finish at the World Cup behind them and win gold at the Commonwealth Games.
“We were a little bit disappointed by the World Cup in Argentina but you always have motivation to play well at the Commonwealth Games. As a hockey player it is one of your favourite tournaments to play at, so you don’t need much motivation, but I guess we were given more motivation after the World Cup," said Blyth.
Blyth said now that the team was named the squad could focus on what they needed to do in Delhi.
“I think we have a great team going and we have a great opportunity to back up from the gold we won in Melbourne in 2006. We were all hanging out for the team to be announced and now that it has been we can really focus and work hard,” said Blyth.
In addition to the 16 player squad being named, Hockeyroos coach Frank Murray announced that he would retiring as national coach at the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games.
Murray has coached the Hockeyroos since taking on the role following the conclusion of the 2004 Athens Olympics. Hockey Australia wishes to recognise the outstanding contribution that Murray has made to the sport of hockey not only with the national team, but in various other roles over at 17 year period.
Prior to his appointment with the Hockeyroos Murray was formerly the Assistant National Coach for the women's team (1996-2000), the Australian Institute of Sport Head Coach (1994- 1996) and the National Men's Coach (1993-1996).
Murray also held the position of Program Manager of the Western Australia Institute of Sport from 2001-2004.
Hockey Australia Chief Executive Mark Anderson thanked Murray for his efforts with the Hockeyroos and praised his professionalism and dedication to the role.
“On behalf of myself and the Hockey Australia Board, I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to Frank for his significant contribution and achievements for the sport of hockey. His reputation at international level speaks for itself and he is widely respected throughout our sport both internationally and within Australia. He has always presented himself in a very professional manner, always acting with the team’s best efforts in mind,” said Anderson.
Anderson said that Murray’s resignation two years from the 2012 London Olympics allowed the Hockeyroos ample time to prepare for the upcoming Games.
“Keeping the team’s best interest at heart, Frank’s resignation two years from the London Olympics will allow us to find a replacement for Frank and to refocus to ensure we are in the best possible position to do well in 2012,” said Anderson.
Madonna Blyth said the team was determined to ensure Murray’s coaching career ended on a positive note by winning gold at the Commonwealth Games.
“Saying goodbye to a head coach is something that you want to do to the best of your ability, and for us that means winning gold and sending him out on a positive, winning note,” said Blyth.
Hockey Australia media release
