Hockey 2023: Kookaburras prepare for 2024 Olympic qualifying series against New Zealand
The Australian men’s hockey team has been locked in the Oceania Cup fixtures against New Zealand and a chance for direct Olympic qualification.
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Kookaburras coach Colin Batch has chosen experience over youth as the Aussie men’s side prepare to take on New Zealand for a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 18-player team includes stalwart and games-record holder Eddie Ockenden and 150 cap player Flynn Ogilvie.
Kookaburras will play the Black Sticks in a three-match series in Whangeri from August 10-13 in the Oceania Cup.
The winner will book their spot at the Paris Olympics – the loser will have to compete in a playoff tournament early next year.
Batch said he selected a team he thought could deliver a consistent performance – something the Kookaburras struggled to do in the FIH Pro League this season.
“First and foremost, we have selected a team that we believe can beat New Zealand. We are hoping the guys show the consistency that we need to perform over the three-match series,” Batch said.
“We have lacked consistency throughout the year and I believe the team we have selected can show that consistency at the Oceania Cup.
“We have had a lot of changes since the World Cup early in the year and given opportunities to a number of players.
“Apart from a few injuries we have a deep list to choose from and this is our best team that we have available.”
Ogilvie, a dynamic midfielder, hasn’t played for the national side since the World Cup due to work commitments.
Batch said he was a “quality player” an important addition to the team.
“Flynn started a new career and was required to do a substantial amount of training, meaning it was important that he was available full time with work,” Batch said.
“Unfortunately hockey had to take a back seat for a while. He’s now in a position where he can devote more time to his hockey. He has been training for a long time and playing in the local Perth competition, so he will be ready to go.”
New dad Aran Zalewski is also back in the squad and Josh Beltz will likely earn his 100th Cap during the series.
“We have been talking about the importance of the Oceania Cup ever since we finished the World Cup,” said Batch.
“The guys are aware of how important it is. We just need to go out there and perform. We have spoken a lot about the areas we have performed well in this year but also the areas that need attention, so we believe have a good focus leading into this.
“We will top up our preparation over the coming weeks before we head to New Zealand, so I’m confident we can play well.”
Kookaburras won the last Oceania Cup, held in 2019, 2-0.
The Oceania Cup will be shown live and free on 7 plus.
Originally published as Hockey 2023: Kookaburras prepare for 2024 Olympic qualifying series against New Zealand
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