Trinny Powell’s selection gamble vindicated as Alice Arnott stars for Hockeyroos

Alice Arnott was preferred over media darling Rosie Malone and missed the first game of the Olympics with injury. But she came up big in a feisty Ashes battle as the Hockeyroos shot to the top of their pool.

Proud Tamworth local Alice Arnott chose a feisty Ashes battle against Team Great Britain to turn coach Trinny Powell’s leap-of-faith selection into a masterful call.

Australia’s selection bolter Arnott slotted home her first Olympic goal and set up Rebecca Greiner’s opener against Great Britain only 14 months after making her Hockeyroos debut.

Unbeaten Australia flexed its attacking muscle against a team that had won medals in the past three Olympics in a sign it is building into this tournament beautifully.

Tatum Stewart’s powerful penalty stroke _ set up by a stick check on Steph Kershaw _ and Grace Stewart’s first goal of the tournament set up a comprehensive 4-0 victory.

With Australia unbeaten in Pool B ahead of a clash against USA in two days time and rivals splitting their results the Hockeyroos are well placed to avoid a crossover quarter final against a quality opponent like the Netherlands.

Alice Arnott celebrates with teammates after scoring their second goal in the women's pool B field hockey match between Britain and Australia. Picture: Ahmad Gharabli/AFP

Powell backed in her instincts about striker Arnott’s attacking firepower as she was chosen over media darling Rosie Malone.

Then Arnott survived Malone’s official appeal to retain her spot in the 16-player squad.

Arnott missed a week of training and the first pool win over South Africa with calf soreness before returning against Team GB.

Arnott had only played 17 internationals and had twice broken down with injury in the lead-in to Powell’s big selection but still found a way into her maiden Olympics campaign.

“There were a lot of nerves and emotions. It’s definitely been a rollercoaster. Missing the first game was not easy. But to be out there today, I just embraced the moment for what it was and it was really exciting. There are still a few nerves with the injury but I feel like it’s a good step forward.”

Alice Arnott on the attack.

I came back off the (Indian) Pro League series and was really excited and was building momentum and then hurt my calf and then tore my hamstring,” she said.

“There were definitely times where I thought making the Olympic team was a bit far-fetched. But I was just really lucky Trinny had confidence in me. And I was so grateful she was willing to put me into the side despite only 17 games.

“I knew I had to do something pretty impressive to put my name on that list. It’s unfortunate for Rosie. I empathise with her and it sucks that I was the one to knock her out of the position. But I guess that’s selection and not everyone can make it. I would hate to be a selector in that position.”

On Monday in Paris any doubts about the 26-year-old’s readiness to back in Powell were quickly swept aside.

As Australia won its second straight pool game, Tatum Stewart’s early shove to the chest of her Great Britain opponent after a clumsy stick check showed Australia would not take a backwards step.

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Then a more confident, attacking Hockeyroos side than the team which beat South Africa 1-0 showcased its awesome attacking range.

Early in the second quarter Stewart’s powerful drag flick on goal saw Arnott immediately pounce upon the rebound, with her saved shot bobbling to Rebecca Greiner to force home the backhand slap for the opener.

Then only minutes later defender Penny Squib’s deep overhead pass was batted away clumsily by Great Britain goalkeeper Miriam Pritchard.

It fell straight into the path of Arnott, who slotted the ball into the vacant goal to score on Olympic debut, just as she had in her first Hockeyroos contest in May 2022.

Arnott was one of the many Hockeyroos players to post a message affirming their culture as negative headlines swirled after Malone’s non-selection saw old issues dredged up.

“I definitely felt the need to be a part of that statement and just felt we were being misunderstood. There are no conspiracies here. We have a really strong group and we are proud of the things we have built that make us stronger for Paris.”

Originally published as Trinny Powell’s selection gamble vindicated as Alice Arnott stars for Hockeyroos