SA’s senior Hockeyroo Jane Claxton feels she would have been “cheating” her home state by moving to another AHL team

SA’s senior Hockeyroo, midfielder Jane Claxton, is relieved she will still represent South Australia in the national league after a last-minute bid to save the Suns

SA’s pin-up Hockeyroo Jane Claxton is delighted she will play out her career at home after the Suns’ place in the new Australian national hockey championships was confirmed on Wednesday.

“I was really struggling with the thought of having to play for another State team,” Claxton told The Advertiser from the Hockeyroos training base in Perth today.

“I felt it would have been cheating to go to another state.”

SA Hockey on Wednesday told Hockey Australia that SA would participate in the new-look Australian Hockey League in October-November and for the following three seasons.

This followed a rushed public campaign to raise $100,000 to save the Suns and Hotshots teams after a joint bid with SA and the Northern Territory to field a united AHL team collapsed earlier this month.

The funding shortfall has been covered by the state government, white knights such as local philanthropist Rob Gerard and public donations.

Former Hockeyroo Holly Evans, with current Australian players Jane Claxton (centre) and Karri McMahon (right) all with play for the Suns in the AHL on Sunday. Picture Sarah Reed

Claxton, 26, told The Advertiser she considers being loyal to one State team as important as being a one-club player.

“I am very proud of where I come from; I am South Australian through and through,” said Claxton, who has represented the Hockeyroos on the international circuit 162 times.

“I would have been in a dilemma if I had to change State teams to play in the AHL (and remain before the national selectors).

“I have so much to give back to SA for all that I’ve got from the SA Sports Institute; a lot to give back.

“It would have been cheating to go another State team for them to benefit on all SA hockey has done to make me an Australian player.”

SA Hockey is optimistic of making the state teams self-sustaining with strong performances in the AHL, particularly with the women’s Suns squad that is developing international players.

Winners of the national title in 2011, the Suns - who will be rebadged with a new nickname - have been rebuilding their squad and form in recent years to be a serious contender for finals action this year.

Claxton and defender Karri McMahon are the two South Australians in this year’s Hockeyroos squad. Adelaide striker Miki Spano has advanced to Hockeyroos duty this month from a development squad.

And the Suns last year had Victorian goalkeeper Ashlee Wells.

“We do have a lot of depth because SA has been strong in developing players,” Claxton said. “The SA program has been ideal for the Hockeyroos because it not only nurtures talent but also develops strong players who can stand up to international pressure.

“It is great that the pathway for other SA girls to the international game will continue.”

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