Hockey Australia: After their successful second place at the recent Samsung Hockey Champions Trophy in Canberra, national coach Frank Murray has made three changes to the Hockeyroos side that will compete in a four-nations tournament in Argentina.
Returning to the team are Donna Lee Patrick and Suzie Faulkner who both missed out in Canberra with late injuries, while Susie Harris has also been included for the tour.
"Faulkner and Patrick are back, subject to fitness of course, but we believe they'll be right. Patrick should sure up our midfield while Faulkner will provide good support for Hudson in attack," said Murray.
Susie Harris also comes back into the side after overcoming injury and some strong performances in the Junior World Cup and development teams.
"She did well in North America but had a few injuries during the year. We want to have another look at her at this level."
For national coach, Frank Murray, the tour to Argentina will be another good chance to develop the team further, giving them vital experience before the Commonwealth Games in March.
"Argentina will be very tough in very hot conditions. We'll be looking at trying to further develop our structure and transitions as well as our structure in the forward line."
The Hockeyroos depart for Argentina on 16 January for the tournament which runs from 25-29 January in Cordova, Argentina. The four nations competing in the event are - Australia, Argentina, Netherlands and England.
In addition to the team to compete in Argentina, a further seven players have been chosen in the national squad for the period leading up to the Commonwealth Games in March.
"The Argentina team isn't the final team for the Commonwealth Games. The idea is that we will bring some players into the side for the test series in Perth, against Canada, and see where they're at. We'll choose the side then."
Hockeyroos squad to tour Argentina
Wendy Alcorn (QLD), Nicole Arrold (ACT), Madonna Blyth (QLD), Toni Cronk (NSW), Suzie Faulkner (QLD), Emily Halliday (WA), Susie Harris (NSW), Kate Hollywood (NSW), Nikki Hudson (QLD), Rachel Imison (VIC), Kobie McGurk (WA), Emma Meyer (QLD), Donna-Lee Patrick (SA), Rebecca Sanders (NSW), Angie Skirving (QLD),Karen Smith (QLD), Melanie Twitt (NSW), Kim Walker (WA).
National squad for period 5 December - 13 March:
Teneal Attard (QLD), Ursula Ditton (ACT), DeAnne Gilbert (SA), Fiona Johnson (NSW), Amy Korner (QLD), Megan Rivers (NSW), Sarah Taylor (ACT).
