Australia have names near full strength squads for their Olympic tune-up matches in Perth

Ahead of the Paris Games both the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras have names strong squads for their April Perth-based hitouts, with team legends in both squads set to celebrate milestones.

The Kookaburras and Hockeyroos will unleash near full-strength squads in their final Olympic tune-ups on home soil in Perth, where Aran Zalewski and Brooke Peris will celebrate milestones.

The Kookaburras and India will face off in five Tests in eight days, starting with the clash on Saturday that will mark Zalewski’s 250th game for his country.

The Hockeyroos are hosting China, Japan and Australia A in a series that runs from April 20-28.

The matches in Perth will be both sides’ last chance to play in Australia before heading overseas to prepare for the Paris Olympics.

“We’re excited to play at home and excited for these matches,” Hockeyroos coach Katrina Powell said. “They are an important step in our journey to Paris.”

Kookaburras coach Colin Batch described India as a “massive challenge” and said he would give players a chance to shine throughout the series as Olympic selection pressure heats up.

Aran Zalewski will play game 250 in the series. Picture: Getty Images

The Kookaburras, who are determined to go one better after Zalewski captained the side to a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics, have started the year with seven wins from eight games.

Tom Craig and Tim Howard will miss the matches in Perth because of injuries, while Hockeyroos Penny Squibb and Grace and Tatum Stewart are also sidelined.

Goalkeeper Aleisha Power and Peris, who will play her 200th game for Australia, are returning for the Hockeyroos.

“It’s so exciting to be back,” Peris said.

“I can’t believe it’s gone this fast – 200 hasn’t really sunk in yet.

“It’s been a 10-year journey and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it.

“All my milestones I’ve been playing overseas, so it’s exciting this milestone will be in Australia.”

The Hockeyroos’ quest for their first Olympic medal since 2000 begins with a match against South Africa on July 28.

The Kookaburras’ Olympic campaign starts against Argentina on July 27.

■ Ultimate Olympic guide to the Hockeyroos, Kookaburras

How will the Hockeyroos go in Paris? Picture: Getty Images

Hockeyroos: Alice Arnott, Jocelyn Bartram (gk), Maddison Brooks, Jane Claxton, Claire Colwill, Rebecca Greiner, Greta Hayes, Stephanie Kershaw, Amy Lawton, Rosie Malone, Kaitlin Nobbs, Brooke Peris, Aleisha Power (gk), Hattie Shand, Lucy Sharman, Karri Somerville, Renee Taylor, Mariah Williams, Grace Young.

Kookaburras: Jacob Anderson, Jayden Atkinson, Daniel Beale, Josh Beltz, Tim Brand, Andrew Charter (gk), James Collins, Matt Dawson, Johan Durst (gk), Nathan Ephraums, Blake Govers, Jake Harvie, Jeremy Hayward, Craig Marais, Eddie Ockenden, Flynn Ogilvie, Joel Rintala, Lachlan Sharp, Ash Thomas (gk), Jack Welch, Corey Weyer, Jake Whetton, Tom Wickham, Ky Willott, Aran Zalewski.

Originally published as Australia have names near full strength squads for their Olympic tune-up matches in Perth