Australian Kookaburras refuse to let go of Olympic dream

KOOKABURRAS star Jake Whetton says the team’s belief has not wavered despite losing two out of their four pool games in Rio.

Australia's Jake Whetton scores against Britain.

KOOKABURRAS star Jake Whetton says the team’s belief has not wavered despite losing two out of their four pool games in Rio.

After starting their campaign for an Olympic gold medal with a victory over New Zealand, Australia lost 1-0 to Spain and Belgium in the following two matches.

Graham Reid’s team bounced back with a 2-1 win over Great Britain yesterday, surviving a late run from the old enemy to record their second victory of the tournament.

But Whetton, a Calamvale resident and Easts Hockey Club product, said he thought the Kookaburras have played some pretty good hockey so far.

‘We just have been unable to put the ball in the back of the net,” he said.

“But we as a team have the utmost belief that we can and will when we need to.

“We have a big game against Brazil tomorrow night, early Saturday morning in Australia, to see where we finish in the pool and we will then concentrate on who we play in the quarter final.”

Whetton overcame some serious injury problems in the past two years to make his Olympic debut and said it had been an amazing experience to date.

“We were able to get out before it started and see Christ the Redeemer which was amazing. Village life is an unreal experience and there is nothing else like it.”

The Kookaburras take on the host nation at 9.30am tomorrow.