News for 02 June 2016
All the news for Thursday 2 June 2016
Hockeyroos defeat New Zealand
Comeback to win 2-1
By Holly MacNeil
The Hockeyroos played arch rivals New Zealand tonight in their second game of the International Hockey Open at the Marrara Hockey Stadium in Darwin. Both the Australian and New Zealand teams had players celebrating 100 games - Kirsten Dwyer for the Hockeyroos and Pippa Hayward for the Black Sticks.
New Zealand put pressure on the Hockeyroos early in to the match gaining a number of opportunities in their scoring circle, however the Australians fought back in the fast paced game. At the end of the first quarter both teams were yet to score.
New Zealand scored the first opportunity on a penalty corner two minutes in to the second quarter, but the shot was off the mark and missed the goal. The Black Sticks backed up only a minute later, with two more chances at penalty corners which they failed to convert.
The Hockeyroos fought hard to get the ball back into their circle, gaining their own chance a penalty corner, but missing the trap by a huge margin. The first goal came to the Black Sticks 21 minutes into the game with a penalty corner from Olivia Merry,
Australia evened out the playing field in the third quarter with a penalty corner from Georgina Morgan, following an injection from Kathryn Slattery and trap by Laura Barden.
Olivia Merry found herself undefended and flying down to the New Zealand scoring circle, however the ball was high and hit the post.
Going into the final quarter and the scoreboard was even, but only one minute in Emily Smith scored a cracker of a goal giving Australia the lead, and the eventual win over New Zealand.
Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens said: “I think it was, as is often the case against New Zealand, a really tough match and a game of two halves. I’ve lost count of the amount of times one team has dominated one half, and the other the opposite half.
“I thought tonight we were pretty average in the first half and New Zealand were exceptional. In the second half we played some really enterprising hockey and created a lot of chances.”
The Hockeyroos next play on India Friday 3 June at 7.00pm ACST.
For the full standings and event information, click here.
Results today
IND 1 - 1 JPN
AUS 2 – 1 NZL
HOCKEYROOS 2 (0)
Georgina Morgan 38 (PC)
Emily Smith 46 (FG)
NEW ZEALAND 1 (1)
Olivia Merry 21 (PC)
Hockeyroos’ squad v New Zealand
Edwina Bone (Evatt, ACT) 107/2
Jane Claxton (Adelaide, SA) 94/9
Jodie Kenny (Wamuran, QLD) 172/96
Karri McMahon (Berri, SA) 96/9
Georgina Morgan (Armidale, NSW) 38/8
Georgia Nanscawen (Melbourne, VIC) 175/35
Brooke Peris (Darwin, NT) 87/13
Casey Sablowski (Albion Park, NSW) 244/44
Kathryn Slattery (South Stirling, WA) 48/13
Emily Smith (Crookwell, NSW) 149/60
Ashlee Wells (Morwell, VIC) 74/0
Used Substitute
Laura Barden (Kew, VIC) 13/4
Kirsten Dwyer (Mackay, QLD) 100/2
Gabrielle Nance (Kingscliff, SA) 32/2
Kaitlin Nobbs (Newington, NSW) 2/0
Grace Stewart (Gerringong, NSW) 14/6
Kellie White (Crookwell, NSW) 95/31
Unused Substitute
Rachael Lynch (Warrandyte, VIC) 145/0
HOCKEYROOS FIXTURES
Friday 3 June: AUS v IND | 7.00pm ACST / 5.30pm AWST / 7.30pm AEST
Saturday 4 June: Finals TBC
Hockey Australia media release
Australia snatch win over Black Sticks
Photo courtesy Tim Nicol
The Black Sticks Women have been edged 2-1 by hosts Australia at the International Hockey Open at the Marrara Hockey Stadium in Darwin.
New Zealand played a dominant first half but could only convert one of their chances with Olivia Merry putting a penalty corner strike into goal in the 21st minute.
Down by one goal, the Australians swung the momentum in the second half and scored two goals through Georgina Morgan and Emily Smith to snatch the result.
The contest saw Canterbury midfielder Pippa Hayward bring up her 100th international cap.
Head coach Mark Hager said his side’s approach to the game was pleasing, although they needed to get better at putting away scoring chances.
“We dominated for long periods and I was pleased with the majority of the game but they made us pay for a few bad errors,” he said.
“If you look at the statistics we had a lot more goal shots than Australia, including two good opportunities that would have tied the game in the fourth quarter, so we can’t afford to waste those.
“It’s now a case of learning from that and regrouping for our next game on Friday against Japan who we know will be a tough challenge.”
New Zealand played an up tempo game in the opening quarter and had the Hockeyroos on the back foot and forced into defensive mode.
Following a period of sustained pressure, the Black Sticks opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Olivia Merry cracked a powerful shot into goal from a penalty corner.
Australia struck back eight minutes into the second half with a penalty corner of their own, Georgina Morgan sweeping past goalkeeper Amelia Gibson to level the score 1-1.
The hosts took the lead for the first time early in the fourth quarter after a defensive error allowed Emily Smith to collect a loose ball for a quick-fire forehand shot.
The Black Sticks battled for an equalising strike over the final 10 minutes, and Sophie Cocks had great shot at goal right at the death but Hockeyroos keeper Ashlee Wells made an outstanding save to seal the result.
The Black Sticks have a rest day tomorrow before their final round robin game against Japan at 7:30pm on Friday (NZ time), with live coverage through Epicentre.tv
The International Hockey Open is part of New Zealand’s build up for the Champions Trophy in London from 19-27 June and the Rio Olympic Games in August.
BLACK STICKS 1: (Olivia Merry)
AUSTRALIA 2: (Gerogina Morgan, Emily Smith)
Halftime: Black Sticks 1-0
Hockey New Zealand Media release
New Zealand defeated by Australia 2-1 in Darwin
By David Leggat
Sophie Cocks had two chances to equalize in the final minute against Australia. Photo / Getty
Australia, down to 10 men for the last few minutes, hung on to beat New Zealand 2-1 in their four nations women's hockey international in Darwin tonight.
New Zealand will be disappointed, as they had much the better of the first half, were at least even stevens in the second, but failed to grab a series of chances.
They had 19 shots on Australia's goal during the match, compared to eight by the hosts.
However, for all that frittering of opportunities, much of the Black Sticks' work in a rousing, full-blooded contest was impressive, notably their pressing on Australia's defence and speed attacking down the flanks.
Both teams, ranked third (Australia) and fourth in the world, will be strong medal contenders at the Rio Olympics. There's little between the two sides.
However Australia, clearly second best in the first half, lifted their game in the second spell, were able to stretch New Zealand's defence and it paid a dividend late on.
New Zealand had gone ahead seven minutes before halftime, and it was the least they deserved. Olivia Merry, who had an industrious night up front, drove a hard low shot past Australian goalkeeper Ashleigh Wells off a penalty corner.
Australia equalized through a Georgina Morgan drive from another penalty corner eight minutes after halftime - Black Sticks' goalkeeper Amelia Gibson's only blemish in an otherwise outstanding display.
The winner, 13 minutes from the end, came from Emily Smith, who reacted quicker than two New Zealand defenders when the ball was driven into the New Zealand circle. She gave Gibson no chance. Australia were reduced to 10 players near the end, when Jodie Kenny got a yellow card.
Attacker Sophie Cocks had two clear chances in the final minute, both stopped by Wells, while Merry, Charlotte Harrison and Anita McLaren all gave Australia's defence worrying moments.
There were no beg your pardons in a rugged clash, Emily Gaddum, Ella Gunson and Kelsey Smith all crashing to the turf in bruising collisions with opponents.
Rose Keddell, Liz Thompson, Julia King and Gaddum all got through a power of defensive work.
New Zealand face world No 10 Japan in their final round robin match on Friday night, and a win will secure their place in the gold medal match against Australia on Saturday night.
Japan and India drew the early match tonight 1-1.
The New Zealand Herald
Black Sticks women edged by Australia at International Hockey Open
The Black Sticks struggled to convert their opportunities into goals. TIM NICOL/HOCKEY NZ
The Black Sticks women were overpowered by Australia overnight, going down to the hosts 2-1 at the International Hockey Open in Darwin.
World No 4-ranked New Zealand dominated the first half and kept the Hockeyroos on defence, but struggled to convert their chances into goals.
Olivia Merry put New Zealand in front with a powerful penalty corner strike into goal in the 21st minute.
But world No 3-ranked Australia fought back in the second half, with a penalty corner of their own as Georgina Morgan swept past Black Sticks goalkeeper Amelia Gibson to level the score.
Australia added a second early in the fourth quarter after a defensive error allowed Emily Smith to collect a loose ball for a quick-fire forehand shot.
The Black Sticks battled back for an equalising strike over the final 10 minutes, Hockeyroos keeper Ashlee Wells proved impassable, stopping Sophie Cocks' shot at goal in the dying minutes to seal the result for the Australians.
New Zealand's head coach Mark Hager was overall pleased with his side's performance, but he conceded they needed to improve at putting away scoring chances.
"We dominated for long periods and I was pleased with the majority of the game but they made us pay for a few bad errors," he said.
"If you look at the statistics we had a lot more goal shots than Australia, including two good opportunities that would have tied the game in the fourth quarter, so we can't afford to waste those."
Hager hoped the side would learn from those mistakes ahead of its next round-robin match against world no 10 Japan on Friday night.
Wednesday's match also saw Canterbury midfielder Pippa Hayward play her 100th international cap.
On Tuesday night, New Zealand secured an easy 4-1 victory over world no 13 India.
The tournament is part of the sides' build-up to the Champions Trophy in London from June 19-27, and and the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in August.
Stuff
Black Sticks women confident they are headed in right direction
By David Leggat
New Zealand's Black Sticks women's team. Photo / Getty
The Black Sticks are confident they are heading in the right direction as the Rio Olympics approach, despite squandering a winning opportunity against arch rivals Australia last night.
New Zealand, ranked fourth in the women's game, were 1-0 up against the third-ranked Aussies at halftime of the four nations tournament match at Darwin, but despite having an advantage of 19 shots on goal to Australia's eight, finished up on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline.
There was much to like about the Black Sticks game, but ultimately failure to grasp a succession of good scoring chances cost dearly.
''The general consensus is we're proud of the direction we're heading, but quite disappointed to think we dominated that game and didn't come away with the win," impressive midfielder Rose Keddell said last night.
Australia's ploy of playing a striker higher up the field in the second half stretched New Zealand's defence and balanced the game up.
Goals by Georgina Morgan from a penalty corner shot, and Emily Smith, reacting quickest when a ball was played into the attacking circle for the winner, cancelled out Olivia Merry's firm penalty corner shot in the second quarter.
Midlands player Keddell was among New Zealand's best last night but she said it's not just a focus on the attacking end which is needed.
''It does go both ways. Yes it would be nice to finish with a couple more goals but we leet a couple in so defensively we've got to be better there too. As much as it's good to finish (chances) we've got to be a team that doesn't let goals in."
New Zealand play 10th-ranked Japan in their final pool game on Friday night. Win that and they're through to the final against the Aussies again on Saturday night.
Keddell ticked off the type of game New Zealand are playing, the structures and the confidence within the group as key ingredients which are falling into place.
''We've been working really hard over the last couple of months at playing well together, getting our structures going and everything is coming to fruition. In the next couple of months we really hope to consolidate everything we've worked on."
However, for all that frittering of opportunities, much of the Black Sticks' work in a rousing, full-blooded contest was impressive, notably their pressing on Australia's defence and speed attacking down the flanks.
Both teams will be strong medal contenders at the Rio Olympics. There's little between the two sides.
However Australia, clearly second best in the first half, lifted their game in the second spell, were able to find space in the New Zealand defence and it paid a dividend late on.
Attacker Sophie Cocks had two clear chances in the final minute, both stopped by smart work from Australian goalkeeper Ashleigh Wells, while Merry, Charlotte Harrison and Anita McLaren all gave Australia's defence worrying moments.
There were no beg your pardons in a rugged clash, Emily Gaddum, Ella Gunson and Kelsey Smith all crashing to the turf in bruising collisions with opponents.
Keddell, Liz Thompson, Julia King and Gaddum all got through a power of defensive work while goalkeeper Amelia Gibson made a string of quality stops.
Japan and India drew the early match last night 1-1.
The New Zealand Herald
Resolute Indian eves play out 1-1 draw against Japan
The Indians quickly established their control over the game. (Getty Images)The Indians quickly established their control over the game. (Getty Images)
DARWIN: A resolute India drew 1-1 against Japan in their second game of the four-nation women's hockey tournament to register their first point in the tournament on Wednesday.
Poonam Rani scored for India in the seventh minute, while Hazuki Nagai equalised for Japan in the 19th minute.
Japan started strongly by holding on to the possession and penetrating the Indian circle multiple times in the opening minutes of the game.
The Indians, however, weathered the storm and quickly established their control over the game.
India almost took the lead with their first attack of the game but Poonam was try was denied by an alert Japanese goalkeeper Sakiyo Asano.
Two minutes later, Anuradha Thokchom sped through Japan's right side, and once at the baseline won a smart penalty corner for India, the first of the game.
From the resultant set piece, India went for a well-worked routine to take the lead. Sushila, at the top of the circle, flicked the ball onto Poonam Rani's stick whose deflection beat Asano all ends up.
Encouraged by the early lead, India pressed further and created several chances only to be denied by Asano in front of Japan goal.
India earned two more penalty corners soon and Deep Grace Ekka drew a sharp save from Asano from the second one.
India started the second quarter on the same vein but it was Japan who scored against the run of play when Nagai converted a penalty corner in the 19th minute to draw level.
The two teams were locked in a technical battle after the equaliser as Japan started pressing forward, but India's strong backline stood firm.
Both teams adopted a cautious approach in the second half, playing most of the game in the midfield.
India came close to secure the winner just two minutes from the hooter when they earned another penalty corner but the resultant shot went wide.
India will now take on Australia in their final round robin match on Friday.
The Times of India
Owsley scores on return
By Mike Haymonds
GREAT BRITAIN striker Lily Owsley marked her return from a long-term collar-bone injury with the opening goal in her side’s 2-1 victory over world and Olympic champions Netherlands in Amsterdam.
The game was the first of GB’s last two outings before they host the Champions Trophy in the Olympic Park later this month.
Owsley struck in the 14th minute before Kitty van Male equalised in the 28th minute. Helen Richardson-Walsh scored the winner, her 39th international goal, from a Giselle Ansley penalty corner rebound four minutes later.
GB coach Danny Kerry said: “It was a slightly disjointed but winning performance. We can be better with the ball but were defensively solid which won us the game.”
Daily Express
Punjab Blues clinch National U-18 Hockey title
Mohsin Ali
ISLAMABAD - Punjab Blues routed KP Colours 3-1 to clinch the 1st National U-18 Hockey Championship here at Naseer Bunda International Hockey Stadium on Wednesday.
It was festivity all around as tournament director Col (R) Ahmed Nawaz fulfilled his promise to conduct the final in a trend-setting manner.
The guests were entertained with sweets, juices and mineral water, separate stands were allocated for ladies, every stands was covered with proper shades and each and every spectator was given equal respect.
All the make-shift stands were packed to capacity and there was hardly any vacant seat available in the stadium.
Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Brig (R) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar, secretary Shahbaz Senior, Olympian Shahnaz Shiekh, Naveed Alam, Ayaz Mehmood, Tahir Zaman, Kamran Ashraf, M Irfan, PSB DG Dr Akhtar Nawaz Ganjera, foreign missions representatives and others attended the final.
Punjab Blues completely dominated the final and made it a one-sided affair.
It seemed fully grown Punjab players were playing against school-going kids.
Such was the dominance of Punjab that KP players failed to create even a single move in the entire first quarter.
Punjab took only 12 minutes to take well-deserving lead through top scorer Wasim Akram.
The first quarter ended with Punjab leading 1-0.
Punjab started the second quarter well and netted another goal in the 23rd minute to make it 2-0 when the ball hit the KP defender’s legs and the umpire awarded a plenty stroke which Punjab’s Hamad converted superbly.
Only one minute later, Punjab added another through Arshad Liaqat, who scored a wonderful solo goal, to make it 3-0.
Punjab kept on pressing for more goals, but missing ratio was alarming, while KP goalie Waseem also saved a couple of powerful hits.
Punjab was dominating the third quarter as well, but despite getting a series of plenty corners, they failed to add further goal.
At that crucial time, KP was given a life-line by Khairullah, who scored a delightful goal in the 48th minute to make it 3-1.
KP supporters, who came in quite a numbers form far-flung areas and capital as well, started raising slogans and tried to boost the morale of their players, but all their support and possession failed to lift KP players and they had to settle for 3-1 defeat.
KP showed great skills and they had much better individuals, but as a team, they failed to excel.
KP had played final a day earlier, as they had given their all against Punjab Whites and looked completely off-colour in the final.
Top class umpiring was witnessed in the final, as prior to the final, the umpiring was quite average and the teams had raised a number of questions regarding poor umpiring.
Earlier in the third position match, Punjab Colours thumped Punjab Whites 4-1 on plenty shootouts, as both the teams were locked at 1-1 in normal time.
Punjab Colours took the lead in the 24th minute through M Hammad, just when Colours were smelling victory, Punjab Whites were given life-line by Umer, who scored in the 55th minute to force the match in plenty shootouts.
Punjab Whites once again failed to score on even a single plenty shootout, while Colours managed to score on three thus won the the match 4-1.
Federal Minister for Cad Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, who had made it a habit of either not coming or coming late, graced the final as chief guest and distributed prizes among the teams and players.
He awarded winning trophy to Punjab Blues captain Wasim and runners-up trophy to KP Colours skipper Yasir Ali.
Despite promising of awarding some token cash prize, not a single penny cash award was given to any team or individual.
The Nation
Punjab Blues crowned U-18 hockey champions
Kashif Abbasi
ISLAMABAD: Punjab Blues beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Colours 3-1 in the inaugural National Junior U-18 Hockey Championship final here at the Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium on Wednesday.
In a one-sided affair witnessed by a large crowd, Punjab Blues took lead in the first quarter when Wasim Akram scored their first goal in the 12th minute.
Ahmed Nadeem doubled the lead in the second quarter, scoring a splendid goal in the 23rd minute.
And a minute later, it became 3-0 as Mohammad Ilyas recorded another goal for Punjab.
Striving to make a comeback, KP Colours finally managed to reduce the lead in the last quarter when Khairullah scored their only goal in the 48th minute.
Punjab Blues’ captain Abid Bhatti was over the moon. “We are very happy, as this is a big win for us,” he beamed.
Meanwhile, Punjab Colours defeated Punjab Whites 4-1 in the third-position match.
State Minister for Capital Administration and Development Division, Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, the chief guest, gave prizes to the winning and runner-up teams.
PHF president retired Brig Khalid Sajjad Khokar, secretary Shahbaz Ahmed Senior and Olympian Shahnaz Sheikh were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the PHF president said they were taking various initiatives for improving the standard of the national game.
“We are planning to set up five academies in different parts of the country to provide a proper platform for youngsters to help them develop their talent,” he said, adding that a state-of-the-art academy would be established in Islamabad.
Khokhar said the PHF was in constant contact with various departments including OGDC, Civil Aviation Authority, Sui Gas and Fauji Foundation on the subject of players’ jobs.
“I hope a good number of players will get jobs in these organisations,” he said.
A controversy over ages of the players mainly from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, meanwhile, marred the national junior event.
Speaking on the occasion, tournament director retired Col Ahmed Nawaz Ganjera told reporters that as per the results of the wrist tests conducted by the PHF during the U-18 championship, a number of players from Punjab and KP proved over-aged, but their passport records indicated they were U-18.
“To avoid any controversy, we had decided to allow all the players [to participate in the event] because we didn’t want to disturb the proceedings. However, next time we will be more careful, and will not repeat this mistake [of allowing players to compete without conducting wrist tests],” he said.
Speaking to Dawn, Shahbaz said over 50 players, mainly from winners Punjab Blues and runners-up KP Colours, would be shortlisted for a training camp to be set up after Eid-ul-Azha, to select teams for upcoming junior events.
The PHF president, commenting on the subject of over-age players, said players for the camp would be selected only on the basis of the results of their wrist tests.
Dawn
German men looking to emulate London's golden class of 2012
One of the undisputed giants of global hockey, Germany, have been a powerhouse of the game for decades and the current group is certainly no different. They are the current holders of the Olympic and Hockey Champions Trophy titles and are always capable of winning every tournament that they enter.
2014 was far less successful than the team would have hoped, with a seventh place finish at the Hero Hockey World League Final in Raipur, India being followed by an even more surprising sixth place at the Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands. However, any conversations about the demise of Germany’s “golden generation” were halted at the end of that year when they returned to form by winning the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy in Bhubaneswar, India.
The team continued their good form in 2015 by winning the Argentina Hockey World League Semi-Final in Buenos Aires, although a 6-1 defeat at the hands of Netherlands in the final of last August’s Unibet EuroHockey Championships in London followed by a seventh place finish at the Hero Hockey World League Final in Raipur showed that they are certainly not infallible.
That said, Germany have developed a habit of getting it right in an Olympic year. They will be led by Head Coach Valentin Altenburg, who replaced Marcus Weise - one of the most successful coaches in the history of German sport, in 2015. His team will be captained by brilliant midfielder Tobias Hauke (FIH Player of the Year 2013), who alongside Oskar Deecke, is one of two players in the group to have surpassed 200 international appearances.
A further six players have played over 100 times for their country, including defensive rock Martin Häner, extraordinary striker Florian Fuchs (FIH Young Player of the Year 2012) and Jan-Philipp Rabente, the man who scored twice in the London 2012 Olympic final to help Germany defeat the Netherlands.
Even without the talents of rested duo Moritz Fürste (FIH Player of the Year 2012) and Christopher Rühr (FIH Young Player of the Year 2013 & 2015), Germany will be considered amongst the favourites in London and will have high hopes of becoming Olympic champions for a third time in succession at Rio 2016.
One to watch: Tobias Hauke. A classy midfielder blessed with skill, vision and intelligence. 2013 FIH Player of the Year, Hauke is a double Olympic Gold medallist, having been a central figure in the Germany teams that emerged triumphant at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Games. At 28 years of age, his best years may still be ahead of him. He is the elder brother of Franzisca Hauke, who is a key player for Die Danas, the German women’s international team.
FACTS
Nickname: Die Honamas
Current FIH World Ranking: 3
Notable honours: 4x Olympic gold medallists (1972, 1992, 2008, 2012), 2x World champions (2002, 2006), 9x Champions Trophy winners (1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2007, 2014), 8x European champions (1970, 1978, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2011, 2013)
Rank in previous HCT editions: 2014 – 1st, 2012 – 6th, 2011 – 5th, 2010 – 4th, 2009 – 2nd, 2008 – 5th, 2007 – 1st, 2006 – 2nd, 2005 – 4th, 2004 – 5th, 2003 – 6th, 2002 – 2nd, 2001 – 1st, 2000 – 2nd, 1998 – 6th, 1997 – 1st, 1996 – 3rd, 1995 – 1st, 1994 – 2nd, 1993 – 2nd, 1992 – 1st, 1991 – 1st, 1990 – 3rd, 1989* – 3rd, 1988* – 1st, 1987* – 1st, 1986* – 1st, 1985* – 3rd, 1983* – 3rd, 1982* – 5th, 1981* – 3rd, 1980* – 2nd
Team website: www.hockey.de
Twitter: @hockey_de
Facebook: Honamas
Instagram: _honamas_
* As West Germany
#HCT2016 #BestOfTheBest #SambaSticks
FIH site
Kookaburras Squad Change - Champions Trophy
By Holly MacNeil
Dylan Wotherspoon has suffered a hamstring injury
Perth, WA – There has been a change to the Kookaburras squad that will travel to London this week for the Champions Trophy Tournament which runs from 10 – 17 June.
Flynn Ogilvie will travel with the team for the international series, in place of Dylan Wotherspoon who has been ruled out due to a recurrent Hamstring injury.
The Kookaburras will first play Great Britain at the Champions Trophy on June 10.
The new Kookaburras Squad for the tournament is as follows:
CHAMPIONS TROPHY (10 – 17 June, London)
Athlete (Hometown) Caps/Goals
Daniel Beale (Brisbane, QLD) 75/15
Josh Beltz (Hobart, TAS) 9/2
Andrew Charter (Canberra, ACT) 110/0
Chris Ciriello (Melbourne, VIC) 186/114
Tom Craig (Lane Cove, NSW) 24/9
Matthew Dawson (Killarney Vale, NSW) 41/7
Tim Deavin (Launceston, TAS) 126/6
Blake Govers (Wollongong, NSW) 26/24
Jeremy Hayward (Darwin, NT) 54/17
Tyler Lovell (Perth, WA) 66/0
Trent Mitton (Perth, WA) 88/33
Eddie Ockenden (Hobart, TAS) 272/64
Flynn Ogilvie (Wollongong, NSW) 28/11
Simon Orchard (Maitland, NSW) 197/56
Matthew Swann (Mackay, QLD) 135/6
Glenn Turner (Goulburn, NSW*) 124/90
Tristan White (Wollongong, NSW) 75/3
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River, WA) 86/10
*Represents ACT
KOOKABURRAS FIXTURES
Friday June 10, AUS v GBR: 6pm BST / 1am AWST (Saturday 11) / 3am AEST (Saturday 11)
Saturday June 11, AUS v KOR: 6pm BST / 1am AWST (Sunday 12) / 3am AEST (Sunday 12)
Monday June 13, AUS v GER: 2pm BST / 9.00pm AWST / 11.00pm AEST
Tuesday June 14, AUS v BEL: 8pm BST / 3am AWST (Wednesday 15) / 5am AEST (Wednesday 15)
Thursday June 16, AUS v IND: 4pm BST / 11.00pm AWST / 1am AEST (Friday 17)
Friday June 17, TBC
Hockey Australia media release
There’s no place like home
Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre
The Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre is fast becoming an iconic home of hockey in this country. The legacy of London 2012 still lives on in the area and with both domestic and international matches taking place at the venue there have already been plenty of magic moments.
With the Hockey Champions Trophy almost upon us, the best players in the world are soon to step out onto the hallowed blue turf to find out who is the best of the best. Both Great Britain men and women take part in the competition and your support for the home players could make all the difference.
“It’s unbelievable. Without a doubt, my favourite place to play in the world. It makes a massive difference playing with a home crowd and the Europeans in the summer proved that.” Says Great Britain star Lily Owsley. “It’s our home. It's our turf. Anyone that comes and tries to take us on needs to bring all they’ve got. With the crowd behind us we always believe we can win.”
It is not just Owsley who likes the legacy venue. Ashley Jackson, the all time leading scorer for England and Great Britain, who has played all around the world, is a fan, too:
“It's brilliant. It's been absolutely rammed over the last few months with cup finals, schools competitions and all kinds of different finals. A whole array of ages and abilities get to play on what is the new home of English and British hockey. It does build a buzz. It is an exciting place to be, and we've always got good crowds when we're there. Let's hope that continues.”
Ashley Jackson in action for Great Britain 2015
Final word on the matter has to go to Maddie Hinch, who made one of her career highlights at the EuroHockey Championships on that same pitch last summer:
“Lee Valley is without doubt one of the best places I've played because of the home crowd element that comes with it. The Europeans last summer, I've never experienced anything like it. The atmosphere was incredible. Now we've put on a few big events, the crowds coming in will just get bigger and bigger. It's exciting to think what we have lined up in the future what those experiences might be like.”
England Hockey Board Media release
Modern hockey academies to be setup in country
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Khalid Sajjad Khokhar on Wednesday announced to establish a state-of-art hockey academy and added that attention would be given on the development of national game.
He was talking to media at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium Islamabad here.
PHF secretary general Shahbaz Senior and tournament director of Under-18 National Hockey Championship Ahmed Nawaz Malik were also present on the occasion.
The PHF president said the federation had decided to setup modern training hockey academies in four provinces of the country including federal capital so that new talent could be introduced for the development and revival of the national game.
“It is our utmost attempt to provide maximum job opportunities to talented hockey players, and negotiations in this regard were going on with various state departments including OGDCL, Fauji Foundation, Sui Gas and Civil Aviation Authority.”
He said the PHF’s was trying to convince all departments to organise their hockey teams and directives in this regard would be issued from Prime Minister office.
The Daily Times
Hotshot Faizal could be back with national hockey team
By Aftar Singh
Asian Federation Hockey president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah (left) with MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal (centre) and MHC chief executive officer K. Logan Raj after the signing ceremony to host the Asian Champions Trophy. - SHAARI CHEMAT / The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: The door is open for Faizal Saari to make a return to the national hockey team.
The 25-year-old forward was suspended from the team for indiscipline by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) last year. He only completed his six-month sentence on May 20.
On Wednesday, MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said they were impressed with Faizal’s performance in the Razak Cup.
http://www.thestar.com.my/~/media/online/2016/06/01/11/27/dcx_doc6pvj3jh9vp3x81y1f8w.ashx?h=484&w=600&la=en
Terengganu's Faizal Saari run with a ball past Perak's Mohamad Zulhamizan Awang Abas during the 54th TNB Tun Abdul Razak cup 2016. Faizal scored seven goals to win the top scorer award in the recent Razak Cup. M. Azhar Arif
“There is no doubt that Faizal’s a talented and gifted player. I leave it to MHC technical director (Terry) Walsh and national coach Stephen (van Huizen) to decide on his future in the team,” said Subahan.
At the Razak Cup, Faizal showed he’s still the country’s best forward by scoring seven goals to win the top scorer award. He was also named the final’s man of the match after scoring two goals to help Terengganu beat Police 3-0 on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the national team will leave on June 6 for a six-match playing tour with the Japanese national side in Gifu.
Van Huizen’s side are preparing for the Asian Champions Trophy in Kuantan from Oct 19-30. The other competing teams are India, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan and China.
Said Subahan: “I want our team to qualify for the final. This tournament offers rankings points. We need to do well to improve our world ranking (Malaysia are now ranked 13th),” said Subahan after a signing ceremony with Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah as host of the Asian Champions Trophy.
The Star of Malaysia
Kuantan to host 4th Men’s Asian Champions Trophy
In a ceremony held today, the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) President HRH Prince Abdullah Ahmad Shah and Malaysian Hockey Confederation President Dato’ Sri Subahan Kamal formally signed the hosting agreement that confirms the hosting of the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2016 in Kuantan, Pahang State, Malaysia, from 20 to 30 October 2016.
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation is one of the most experienced and prolific event hosts within the continent, regularly hosting FIH and AHF events in addition to the internationally renowned Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and Sultan of Johor Cup annual invitational tournaments.
The Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2016 will be the third major international event to take place at Kuantan’s Wisma Belia Stadium since its completion in 2012, after a Women’s Hockey World League Round 2 event in 2012 and a Men’s Hockey Champions Challenge in 2014. The stadium facilities are of the highest quality, with two blue pitches located within the same complex and a seating capacity of 8.000 at the main pitch.
Scheduled two months after the Olympic Games, the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2016 will allow India, Korea, Japan, China and the Malaysian hosts to challenge the current title holders and winners of the last two editions of the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy, Pakistan.
First introduced in 2011 to create an opportunity for Asian teams to gather more high-level competition experience, the Asian Champions Trophy has taken place three times so far, for the last time in 2013. In past Asian Champions Trophy editions, Pakistan has been the most successful team with two Asian Champions Trophy golds and a silver, while India has occupied the top of the podium once. This year’s Malaysian hosts have medaled in each previous edition, taking bronze in 2011, 2012 and 2013, while the team from Korea will be making their Asian Champions Trophy debut this year.
The Asian Champions Trophy 2016 will follow a round robin format, with each team playing each other once. The top four teams after the round robin phase will advance to semi-finals, then finals, while the teams ranked fifth and sixth in the pool will play off once for fifth place. A detailed match schedule will be published by the Asian Hockey Federation in the coming weeks.
The Asian Hockey Federation can also confirm that through a recent decision by the FIH Executive Board, Asian Champions Trophy events are included in the continental ranking element of the FIH World Ranking system from the next update. The continental rankings for Asia will be calculated across a four-year cycle, taking into account the results of Asian Games, Asia Cup and Asian Champions Trophies held during that time.
This also means that because the Asian Champions Trophy will not only be part of the system that determines continental ranking but will be included in the Qualification Systems for future Olympic Games and World Cups any team that does not play in the Asian Games / Asia Cup and Asian Champions Trophy cannot qualify for the relevant Olympic Games or World Cup.
Asian Hockey Federation President HRH Prince Abdullah Ahmad Shah said, "The Asian Hockey Federation is delighted to play this showcase competition at the excellent facilities of the Wisma Belia Stadium in Kuantan, in front of the famously passionate Malaysian fans, and to work with the Malaysian Hockey Confederation."
Malaysian Hockey Confederation President Dato’ Sri Subahan Kamal said, "It is an honour to host Asia's most prestigious event. Regionally, hockey is seen as a key sport, one that advocates unity and friendship. As such, the tournament is not merely a competition of ability but a platform to build strong relationships between countries in the Asian region. We aspire to do our best in making this tournament a success."
Asian Hockey Federation CEO Dato' Tayyab Ikram said, "We will work very closely with the Malaysian Hockey Confederation to make this event world class in all aspects, and are looking forward to a tournament that shows off the very best of Asian hockey."
Asian Hockey Federation media release
Banbridge and Ireland to host Round 1
Picture: Adrian Boehm
The EHL and the EHF are proud to announce Banbridge Hockey Club will host Round 1 of the Euro Hockey League from October 7 to 9, 2016 as the competition moves to Ireland for the very first time for its 10th edition.
It comes just a few weeks since the conclusion of the 2015/16 season at an epic FINAL4 in Barcelona. In a ground-breaking campaign, over 12 million people took in the EHL from over 150 countries worldwide, marking the EHL out as the world’s best club competition.
The 2016/17 season goes to Ireland where hockey is currently riding the crest of a wave, qualifying for the Olympic Games for the first time since 1908 while their club sides recently won back a second place in the EHL.
EHL chairman Hans-Erik Tuijt said of the decision to award Round 1 to Banbridge is an historic occasion.
“Banbridge is an exciting new venue for the EHL, particularly now as we hope the Olympic Games will motivate more and more fans to get out and enjoy hockey,” he said.
“Their club has shown by hosting the playoffs of Ireland’s first full-season national league – the EY Hockey League – that there is a real hunger for the game in the town of Banbridge and we look forward to seeing their fans’ passion once again.”
EHF President Marijke Fleuren added that she is “very confident that Banbridge HC will be excellent hosts for EHL Round 1.
“There is no doubt that for Irish hockey fans being able to see many of their new Olympians compete on home soil will be an added bonus to Round 1 this year.
“The EHF and EHL are committed to broadening the fan base of the EHL and we firmly believe that this new EHL venue will be a hit with players and fans alike.”
The tournament will be played at Banbridge’s Havelock Park home, 30 minutes to the south of Belfast and an hour and a half north of Dublin.
Banbridge HC's honorary secretary John Bell is looking forward to the challenge of hosting an event of this stature: “We are obviously delighted to be given the opportunity of hosting the event. It comes at a time, post Olympics, when the focus on hockey will be high.
“As a club we will give it our all and while on a bigger scale than the EYHL finals weekend we know that the welcome at Havelock Park will be second to none. We see it as a superb opportunity to leave a lasting hockey legacy not only in our district but throughout Irish hockey.”
Further details of the draw for the respective groups will be announced in due course.
Euro Hockey League media release
12th Guru Tegh Bahadur All-India Gold Cup gets prize money hike
Rohan Alvares
MUMBAI: The 12th edition of the PMC-Bank Guru Tegh Bahadur All-India Gold Cup Hockey Championship which gets underway at the MHAL-Mahindra Stadium, Churchgate on Wednesday will have extra prize money on offer for the winners and runners-up.
Ten teams from Mumbai and outside the city are set to compete in the tournament, and a decision taken by the executive managing committee of the Mumbai Hockey Association Limited (MHAL) will see the winning side rewarded with a windfall of Rs 2 lakhs, a jump of Rs 50,000 compared to last year. The runners-up are also set to take home a heftier sum with the prize money for the losing finalists increased from Rs 75,000 to Rs 1 lakh.
An array of individual awards will also be up for grabs over the course of the 10-day tournament which ends on June 10 with cash prizes (Rs 5000) reserved for the Best goalkeeper, defender and forward as well as the 'Player of the final'.
Additionally, the MHAL committee has also decided to felicitate the Mumbai team who emerged champions in the 6th Hockey India Junior National Championship (B Division) in Raipur, Chhattisgarh held last month. Each squad member would be presented with a cash award of Rs 10,000.
Pool 'A': Rail Coach Factory (Kapurthala), Air India and Food Corporation of India (both Delhi), Central Railway and Mumbai Customs (both Mumbai)
Pool 'B': Hockey Bhopal, Punjab National Bank and Comptroller Auditor General (both Delhi), Western Railway and Union Bank of India (both Mumbai)
The Times of India
Chasing The Dream with USWNT Athlete Katelyn Falgowski
The latte gulping, briefcase carrying, pencil pushing average American holds the same job for 4.4 years, according to Forbes. Outlier Katelyn Falgowski has been clocking into the same office for 11 years. Ignoring the traditional routine of tailored blazers and data laden Excel sheets, Falgowski is a different business-minded breed. As a member of the USWNT since 2005 and a two-time Olympian, she can’t afford to be the same. As the game grows with rule changes, popularity, new program location and competition, Falgowski adapts. Her constant is change.
A prime example of such adaption came in her early teenage years. As the youngest player to be named to the U.S. U-20 Women's National Team at the age of 14, coaches spotted something special in her pitch-side talents. Playing amongst athletes in college could easily bring about nerves, but Falgowski wasn’t fazed by understandable, adolescent fears.
“I never realized at the time that it was a big deal,” said Falgowski. “I was just going out there playing, enjoying it and having fun. A big compliment was that the girls made me feel like I belonged, so I give credit to them all for letting me fit in. It never occurred to be that I shouldn’t be there or shouldn’t belong. Going into something without having fear and not doubting yourself helps.”
She brought this air of confidence with her to the University of North Carolina. As a proud and successful Tar Heel she racked up such honors as finishing her career as UNC's all-time leader in assists, National Player of the Year by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association and named first-team All-America, the fourth All-America honor of her career. After she retired from her collegiate career, so did her jersey number, 23.
“Something about being a Tar Heel will change your life forever,” said Falgowski. “No matter how long you’re away, whenever you go back it feels like home.”
Her years on the national team haven’t been a flat-line story. It came with peaks and valleys. Through the lulls and harder moments regarding injuries, her tank never ran empty. One of the hardest obstacles to come back from was a concussion she suffered from a debilitating concussion in 2010. Struggling because she physically couldn’t see the results, it is all was based off of how she felt. Falgowski is not new to bouncing back. With a successful knee surgery in 2011 paired with an aggressive rehab schedule, midfielder Falgowski was back on the turf preparing for the London 2012 Olympic Games in April.
Falgowski advises anyone going through an athletic related injury to carry a specific attitude.
“You need to be fearless about it,” said Falgowski. “You don’t know what will happen but if you don’t do anything, nothing will happen. Challenge yourself to take the first step. Injury isn’t a fun thing but it doesn’t have to define who you are.”
Perhaps her perseverance tabled with her talent have attracted such a dedicated fan group. These Falgo followers can be spotted in the bleachers wearing branded gear that represents number 23. The brand Falgo23 came to fruition through her sister Kerry’s push. As much as the community looks to support Falgowski, she looks to support Lancaster. Active with Nook Field Hockey as the technical director of Nook the Academy, she fully embraces the local athletes.
“We are in the heart of hockey, it’s awesome for these girls to have Team USA in their backyard as role models and for hopefully one day be out there themselves,” said Falgowski.
The youngest collegiate athlete on the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games roster and 2012 Olympian acts as a veteran leader on Team USA, but a certain athlete-generated culture demands everyone to hold each other accountable no matter the day or event.
"It’s not just every 4 years, it’s every day," said Falgowski. "For how hard we train, the mentality is to give it your all, all the time and that will be no different today or tomorrow or the first game of the Olympics."
So yes, it has been 11 long and rewarding years spent on the national team, but there hasn’t been any internal grappling or lingering questions. When you know, you know. And Falgowski wholeheartedly believes athletes know when they’re not done playing, when there’s more to give.
“You want to be out there with your family, your teammates, and to play for your family, friends and everyone supporting you,” said Falgowski. “I play for the next generation of girls who will take my spot when I am finished. You play for the love of the sport because you can keep going.”
With more than 200 international caps to her name, Olympic Games experience most only dream of, Falgowski isn’t ready to punch out. There’s business to attend to in Rio de Janeiro.
USFHA media release
Matthew Sarmento one of 50 Canadians to receive $50,000 HBC athlete bursary
Shaheed Devji
Qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games has come with some perks for Canadian Men’s National Team forward Matthew Sarmento, who has been selected as one of 50 Canadian athletes to receive a bursary from the HBC Foundation and Canadian Olympic Foundation.
Sarmento is the only field hockey player to receive the $50,000 bursary, which awards athletes $10,000 a year for five years.
“It definitely takes a weight off my back,” says Sarmento, who will soon head to Europe with the Canadian men’s field hockey team to prepare for the upcoming Olympics in Brazil. “I think one of the biggest limiting factors (to success) is financial stress.”
The bursary was awarded to athletes who have previously competed in or have qualified for the Olympic Games, or are considered Olympic hopefuls.
“With $10,000 a year coming in, I can eat a bit better, can get better supplements, and don’t have to bug my parents for rent money, right?,” says the 24 year-old native of Vancouver, British Columbia.
“A lot of little things can be taken care of, and I think it will help my game overall.”
Sarmento is in the running to be selected to represent Canada’s men at the Rio Games. It would be his first Olympic Games.
He has already put part of the bursary – of which the first instalment was distributed in January – to good use on the road to Rio.
“Field hockey cleats are sport specific – we can’t just wear an astro-turf cleat. The shoes are expensive, and we go through a few pairs every season. Thanks to the HBC athlete bursary program, I’ve been able to order new shoes,” he told Olympic.ca in an article regarding the bursary.
“Since receiving the funds, I’ve also been able to buy more nutritious groceries and I’ve purchased a bike for commuting to and from training. In speaking with other athletes who are part of the program, we all agree that this money makes a world of difference in our lives.”
The 2.5 million dollar bursary program runs through 2020 and includes Olympic medalists such as diver Jennifer Abel and ice hockey player Megan Agosta.
Field Hockey Canada media release
Volunteers make the game
A National Hockey Week story
By Lawrence West
Jenny Heron was the beating heart of Brisbane Hockey for almost three decades.
A loyal servant to the game for her whole life, Jenny recently retired after 27 years spent volunteering with the Brisbane Women's Hockey Association (BWHA).
For eight of those 27 years she was the Association’s secretary, and also held a variety of other positions, including vice-president and record secretary, and also served on the Competitions Committee and Grading Committee.
Jenny was tireless in her efforts to support the sport she loves.
She managed Brisbane women's and girl's representative teams and Queensland Masters Hockey women's sides over 15 seasons - which culminated in her being named Hockey Queensland's Volunteer of the Year in 2004.
Now a BWHA and Hockey Queensland life member, Jenny was also the longest serving office bearer at Ascot Hockey Club - including 18 years as secretary. That resulted in life membership at her club as well.
As for so many others, this lifetime of commitment can trace its beginning to an enthusiastic schoolgirl finding a love for the game on her school’s hockey fields. Its culmination in her work as a community volunteer ranks alongside any international career as an expression of the sport’s importance to so many Australians.
The motivations for volunteering
As an active player and a devotee of the sport, Jenny could see that there was a lot of work that needed to be done behind the scenes.
"I played from school in Year 5 and joined Ascot in 1963. I played until 2000.
"There were just never enough volunteers to do everything," she explains.
"I wanted to put something back into the sport I love.”
Personal connections create happy memories
Although you could fill a room with Jenny's accolades, at the end of the day she says it was the people she met that made it all worthwhile.
When asked about her fondest memories from her time in hockey, Jenny says that being named Queensland’s ‘Manager of the Year’ was big moment. "It was pretty special," she concedes, "but my best memories are all the people that I have met through volunteering.”
It’s a sport that can forge lifetime connections.
"Anywhere I go in Queensland I see them,” she says. "I went to Cairns for a holiday at Christmas time, and three people I met through volunteering were just walking down the street.
"I run into people I have met everywhere in the state."
Getting involved is easy, and it helps
Without volunteers, there would be no grassroots hockey. And while the task is big, many hands make light work. Jenny has some simple advice to offer prospective volunteers.
"Take up any small role," Jenny says.
"Anything, a small role. If everyone did something, the load wouldn't be as big. You learn to appreciate what goes into the sport, what goes on behind the scenes but as a player, you take that for granted."
The rewards of volunteering
Seeing the young faces come through and develop the same love of the game that Jenny took on over 50 years ago was the greatest reward she could hope for.
"I think they are all like me, they just love the game," Jenny said "They have played, umpired, done the tech bench and are all putting in.”
"They want to see the next generation able to enjoy the game as much as we have."
Do you want to give something back to hockey? There are plenty of clubs and roles where you can help.
Log on to playhockey.org.au to find your nearest club or association, including those registered as Hockey Hubs as part of Destination Hockey.
Use #NationalHockeyWeek and #DestinationHockey on social media.
Hockey Australia media release
English Clubs are World Record Breakers
Old Southendian world record
The longest game of hockey is a record that many clubs across the world have used as a chance to raise funds for charities whilst getting their names in the record books. British clubs are not ones to shy away from a challenge with many teams playing well over the normal 70 minutes, running their bodies into the ground to raise funds, have fun and take their place in the history books.
In 2012 Crawley Hockey Club took to the challenge and played for 34 hours, raising over £13,000 for St Catherine's Hospice. A year later Kent side Holcombe played for 40 hours in May 2013 to claim the title of the marathon hockey match. West of England club South Gloustershire have taken on this challenge not just the once, but twice. Firstly in 2011 they managed 30 hours then went on to beat that and the record that stood at the time, to take it to 50 hours in May 2015.
At the start of this year the holders were an American side managing 51 hours which was broken by a Dutch side (52 hours) soon after. That didn’t stand for long either as English side Old Southendians took on the record last weekend.
The Essex club rose to the challenge over the bank holiday weekend to be crowned the current World Record holders. They set a time of 53 hours 11 minutes and they raised over £13,000 for Age UK Essex in partnership with local business Olympus Keymed who had never picked up a hockey stick before.
Starting Friday 4 June, the University of Nottingham men’s hockey club will be taking on the RAF in another attempt at setting a record. Their aim is 55 hours and they hope to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund and Help 4 Heroes. They may have to push beyond the 55 hour mark if they wish to hang onto the title as on July the 1st Chelmsford hockey club will be taking to the pitch in an attempt to break the World record once more. The record has changed hands so many times in recent memory that it will surely take something exceptional to hang onto the title. Who's going to be the side to take it to 70 or even 80 hours?!
If you'd like to find out more about the University of Nottingham's efforts this weekend, including how to donate, click here.
England Hockey Board Media release
Why hockey’s golden girl must be banned from Rio
Tom Heenan, Monash University
Anna Flanagan is in big trouble. Photo: Getty
ANALYSIS: Kitty Chiller has no choice but to stop Anna Flanagan from competing in Brazil.
It’s one thing for Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) Chef de Mission Kitty Chiller to pick on poor Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic for their tennis tantrums.
It’s another to take on Australian hockey’s hottest and most marketable property, Anna Flanagan.
In March, Flanagan failed a breath test at the wheel in Perth, reportedly blowing three times the legal limit.
She had her licence suspended for 10 months and was fined $1000. On apparent advice from her lawyer, the 24-year-old didn’t tell Hockey Australia or the AOC, hoping it would all go away.
The secret finally came out on Friday though, with Hockey Australia swiftly dumping Flanagan from this week’s International Hockey Open in Darwin – and the upcoming Champions Trophy in London.
The AOC are likely to be far more strict and revealed to The New Daily on Wednesday that Flanagan signed a statutory declaration in May that did not mention her indiscretion.
Nick Kyrgios has been in Chiller’s sights. Photo: Getty
An AOC spokesperson said: “Every athlete and official must sign the team agreement.
“As part of that agreement, you must sign a statutory declaration saying that you have not been involved in doping and also list any criminal convictions or pending charges.
“We understand Anna Flanagan was arrested for drink-driving in March. She signed her team agreement in May but she did not list the drink-driving offence.
“We have asked her for an explanation. We are awaiting her reply.”
If the AOC and Hockey Australia are ‘fair dinkum’, she must sit out the Rio Olympics.
After all, Chiller has repeatedly warned Kyrgios – and Tomic – about their conduct, and how it could cost them an Olympic berth.
She said they were both “on notice” and slammed Tomic for his “appalling” behaviour when attempting to return serve while holding his tennis racquet upside down.
She also said Kyrgios was “ill-advised” after a social media outburst and questioned whether he knew what it meant to be an Olympian. Chiller declined an interview with The New Daily.
A star on and off the pitch
Flanagan is a key player for the Hockeyroos and has won 166 caps and scored 34 goals.
She’s pocketed gold medals at the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games, and in 2013 was voted the World Young Player of the Year.
Flanagan is also potentially one of Australia’s most marketable sporting talents.
She’s carving out a career in journalism as a presenter for Fox Sports in Perth, has done promotional work for Nike, and in early 2015 became the first Australian hockey player – male or female – to sign a sponsorship deal with the much sought-after Red Bull brand.
A social media diva, Flanagan has over 50,000 Instagram and 20,000 Twitter followers.
Flanagan beats an opponent. Photo: Getty
In dollar terms, Flanagan has a lot riding on Rio.
Since last week’s disclosures, she has issued the obligatory apology, recognised her “actions were not in keeping with someone in [her] position”, and promised to work harder and “make it up to those I have let down”.
Such statements are all part of the professional athletes’ fluff-filled lexicon these days.
But they don’t get around the cut-through fact that drunk drivers cause accidents and kill people.
The American example
In October 2014, the most successful Olympian of all time – American Michael Phelps – was suspended for six months for drink-driving.
His weekly stipend was cut and he missed the World Championships in Russia.
Despite his 18 Olympic gold medals, Phelps was off the team. The same must happen here.
Chiller and the AOC must get over their priggish preoccupation with Krygios.
He won’t be the last bloke with a bad temper to represent Australia. But the actions of angry tennis players don’t have the potential to kill people.
The Flanagan case throws up far bigger issues than Krygios’ bad manners.
These issues require administrators with the courage to use sport to promote broader messages about acceptable and responsible social behaviours in the community.
The Flanagan case offers Chiller, the AOC and Hockey Australia to make a stand against the scourge of drunk drivers in this country. They must act.
Dr Tom Heenan teaches sports studies at Monash University.
The New Daily