The Hockeyroos and Kookaburras are primed to continue hockey’s Olympic legacy, as the 16-strong women’s and men’s Olympic teams were today unveiled by the Australian Olympic Committee at Aquinas College in Perth.
“The Kookaburras and Hockeyroos are such an iconic part of Australia’s Olympic history,” 4-time Olympian and Deputy Chef de Mission Bronwen Knox said as she announced the teams.
“I am thrilled to announce the next 32 athletes who will proudly continue the proud Olympic hockey legacy in Paris.
“Recent FIH Pro League Champions the Kookaburras, boast a wealth of experience, combining for 2,807 caps, with every player having played over 50 internationals and five athletes set to line up at their third Olympic Games.
In a history-making appearance, Tasmanian star Eddie Ockenden is set to become the first Australian hockey player ever to compete at five Olympic Games, while also bringing up 450 caps for the Kookaburras 18 years after he made his debut in green and gold.
“It’s always a really exciting feeling knowing that you’re going to go to the Olympics,” Eddie said.
“Every Olympic campaign has had its own differences and its own feeling. You want to take some lessons from the past and try and improve and use your experience to your advantage. But going to the Olympics is the coolest thing that we can do as hockey players.”
Kookaburras Head Coach Colin Batch heaped praise on Eddie for the milestones that await him in Paris.
“Eddie is an incredible athlete, an incredible person, he’s like a good bottle of red wine isn’t he, he just keeps getting better and better. Heading towards his fifth Olympics is a marvellous achievement and I know he wants a bigger goal and that’s not just being in the team, he wants success in Paris.”
“Our best hockey is beating the best teams in the world. We know that the games are going to be tight and it’s going to be good opposition but it’s really nice having the belief that our best is definitely good enough,” Eddie agreed.
Newcastle’s Ky Willott, WA’s Jake Harvie and Gold Coaster Corey Weyer will make their Olympic debut following storied careers that have seen determination and persistence pay off in their bid to join the Kookaburras’ pursuit for gold in Paris.
“The Olympic Games creates a different environment and atmosphere and it’s a level up. We have a very experienced squad and we have to acknowledge the depth in our wider squad as we haven’t selected some quality players,” Colin said.
“We also have experience in the coaching staff and we will lean on that. We’ve been across a lot over the last seven or eight years and while it doesn’t guarantee anything, our preparation’s been good.”
The Hockeyroos boast an abundance of experience, versatility and flair, with four athletes en route to their third Olympics, six returning for their second Games and six exciting Olympic debutants.
“It’s exciting to be celebrating this moment. This is our best 16 players who we believe will give us the best chance of being successful in Paris,” Head Coach Katrina Powell said.
“There’s good versatility in there, they provide flexibility and the versatility that’s required for the structure of an Olympic Games.”
“We certainly like to play with speed, skill and variety and this group provides it. We’ve got world-class players spread throughout our whole group, in all of the lines surrounded by talent and then we have some dogged determination in there as well, so it’s a really great mix.”
One of four co-captains, Darwin’s double Olympian Brooke Peris says it hasn’t hit home that she’s heading to her third Olympic Games in a fortnight.
“It hasn’t quite sunk in yet! It’s been a big journey and I’ve loved every moment. I have a really good feeling about it this time around, we’re in such a good place and I’m in a good place and I’m very excited,” Brooke said.
“I feel like we have a really solid mixture of experience with the girls that are coming through who are fresh and vibrant and they just bring so much flair to our game. Our senior members are structured and we’re disciplined and the girls that are coming in for their first or second Olympics are just so incredible to watch. I’m very grateful that I get to be part of this team and we’re just ready to go.”
The Hockeyroos have been on a confident run recently, notching impressive victories against Tokyo 2020 medalists Argentina and Great Britain.
The Hockeyroos will take on Argentina, Great Britain, Spain, USA and South Africa in their pool games, while the Kookaburras will take on Belgium, India, Argentina, New Zealand and Ireland.
The Hockeyroos and Kookaburras are two of Australia’s most successful teams with a combined 13 Olympic medals between them.
Note. the Australian Olympic Team for women’s hockey is subject to an ongoing appeal by a non-nominated athlete. Any updates will be communicated in line with that process.
Click below to see the 2024 Hockeyroos & Kookaburras Australian Olympic Teams.
