On the eve of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, take a look at the team’s year so far in their lead-up to this iconic event where the Kookaburras will strive for their fourth consecutive gold medal and the Hockeyroos aim for their second.
Kookaburras
A successful 2009 saw the Kookaburras enter the 2010 World Cup in India as favourites. Having only ever won the World Cup once, 24 years earlier, there was a lot of pressure on the team to perform and they certainly lived up to this expectation facing Germany in the final, eventually running out 2-1 winners to reclaim their spot as the number 1 ranked team in the world.
This form continued, helping the Kookaburras win the 2010 Champions Trophy, their third in a row and a record 11th overall. This was despite Australia having the least experienced team at the tournament, with Coach Ric Charlesworth leaving several key players back home in order to blood some new players to create depth in the squad.
Having recently played in New Delhi, the Kookaburras have had the best possible preparation for the upcoming 2010 Commonwealth Games. The Kookaburras are the most successful team in Australian Commonwealth Games history, having won all three gold medals since hockey was introduced to the Games in 1998.
Hockeyroos
The major tournament in 2010 so far for the Hockeyroos was the World Cup in Argentina where they recently finished 5th. Despite their placing at this tournament, the Hockeyroos played some great hockey and unfortunately have since been severely hampered by injuries to key defenders including Kobie McGurk and Teneal Attard and the retirement of veteran Kim Walker. Regardless, they are full of confidence with players such as Nicole Arrold, Jayde Taylor and Kate Jenner all having great campaigns at the World Cup. With coach Frank Murray recently announcing that he will retire at the conclusion of the Commonwealth Games, the Hockeyroos are presented with an excellent opportunity to send Murray off in style and begin their climb back to the top of the world rankings.
Hockey fans in Australia will be able to watch all of the action on Foxtel, who have dedicated no less than six channels to the Commonwealth Games. This ensures that matches involving the men and women of Australia will be shown live and in full.
Source: Hockey Australia
More information about the hockey tournament at the Commonwealth Games can be found by clicking here.
