Hockeyroos defender Anna Flanagan gives us an insight into how the players are preparing for the exciting and innovative Lanco "Hockey 9's" International Super Series and what they think of the new rules.
The Lanco International Super Series is fast approaching and the Hockeyroos are raring to go!
In a world first event the girls will take on India and Malaysia, while the Kookaburras will play India, New Zealand and Pakistan in a fast, ferocious, and shorter game of hockey.
Our captain Madonna Blyth is not only excited about the new style but believes the changes will be to our advantage.
“The new style will really suit our game because we have fast forwards and an attacking style of play.”
There are a number of rule alterations to regular hockey that include having 9 players a side as opposed to the usual 11, games will be played in 15-minute halves as opposed to 35-minute halves and there will also be bigger goals.
It is the first time in years Australia will broadcast field hockey on free to air television through the ABC.
Hockey Australia CEO Mark Anderson says “the support of ACB and Fox Sports is of pivotal importance in attracting people to the sport.
“Without television coverage the sport will struggle for sponsorship opportunities leading up to their main focus the London Olympics.
“Hockey Australia is very proud and excited to be able to host this unique event.”
The Lanco International Super Series, like all of our tournaments, provides the team with crucial preparation for the upcoming Olympics.
We have been working really hard these past months both in our home states and selection camps in Perth.
Everyone is determined to be the best they can and get selected in to the Olympic squad come November.
In our training this year there has been a strong focus on strength and speed and our solid work in the gym will gear us up for the aggressive and competitiveness of the unique tournament.
Assistant Australian coach Katrina Powell says we will be well prepared for the event.
“The girls will have a number of important matches before the LISS with an Olympic Qualifier against New Zealand and some test matches against India to make sure they are ready to go.”
The LISS is an event not to be missed mirroring the excitement of 20/20 cricket.
Madonna said "It will be a fun family event where parents and kids can make an afternoon watching back to back games of world class hockey."
“It is a little bit different again for sports lovers that like elite sport and can reposition hockey to non hockey fans.”
Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster so get on board the Hockeyroos and Kookburras and be apart of history!
To read more of Anna Flangan's work visit her website www.annaflanagan.com.au or follow her on Twitter www.twitter.com/anna_flanagan
Source: Hockey Australia media release
Information about the tournament:
Hockey Australia introduces the annual International Marquee Tournament inviting the best Commonwealth nations to Australia to play a new form of Hockey for Women & Men as a superb backdrop to the 2011 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
The tournament showcases a brand-new format of Hockey demonstrating the brilliant skills, pace and team spirit of the world’s best teams. It will be held at the Perth Hockey Stadium. The tournament has a fast and furious format featuring back-to-back games between international rivals.
The tournament sees Australia’s men’s and women’ teams, the Kookaburras and the Hockeyroos, take on some of the world’s best including the likes of India, Pakistan, Malaysia and New Zealand.
Hockey Australia has created an innovative tournament called the International Super Series which introduces all new rules to make the game even faster and more exciting than ever before.
To be held in conjunction with the 2011 CHOGM event in Perth, the International Super Series will be played from October 20-23 at the Perth Hockey Stadium.
To be held in conjunction with the 2011 CHOGM event in Perth, the International Super Series will be played from October 20-23 at the Perth Hockey Stadium.
The tournament sees Australia’s men’s and women’ teams, the Kookaburras and the Hockeyroos, take on some of the world’s best including the likes of India, Pakistan, Malaysia and New Zealand.
More information about the tournament can be found on the Hockey Australia website by clicking here.
To see a specially prepared video presenting the tournament, please click here. (External Site - You Tube)
