22 can’t fit into 16: Competition for spots in Hockeyroos Paris squad red-hot

Stars returning from injury has only heated up the selection battle for the Hockeyroos’ Paris squad, as Australia takes a full team of 22 for their final hitout before the Games begin.

All 22 players based at Hockey Australia’s high performance unit will be on the plane to Europe, with a last chance to impress before Paris selection.

A quartet of injured guns in Grace Stewart, Alice Arnott, Tatum Stewart and Penny Squibb will see their first action in more than a month during eight FIH Pro League clashes in Belgium and England.

With Olympic squads limited to 16, plus three reserves, Hockeyroos coach Katrina Powell said competition for spots would be red-hot, but those players making their way back from injury would be given every chance to press their case.

“We will provide opportunities for those athletes who haven’t had a chance to play as we continue to make sure that we pick the best team for Paris,” Powell said.

“We still have time, there are a couple who are already back to full training but just haven’t been able to play yet and the others are expected to be fit for the Pro League.

“Athletes are doing everything they can to put their best foot forward and that we end up with not just the best players in Paris, but our best combination and our best team players.”

Alice Arnott will return to action.

Powell said 18-player squads for Pro League clashes against Belgium (No.5) and Argentina (No.2) in Antwerp and then Great Britain (combined) and Germany (No.3) in London meant a rolling selection process.

“Each game we’ll pick a team on tour, so there’ll be selection happening almost every day,” she said.

“It’s a really stressful time for the athletes: are they playing in the team? questioning it, getting anxious about it, so there’s lots of things to have you work really hard on your mindset, focus in on what you can control. It’s a test.”

Powell says the Hockeyroos always go out to win — but getting it right for Paris supersedes any results in Europe.

“It’s combinations, it’s international matches for those players who haven’t played a lot lately, it’s getting into form,” Powell said.

“With any luck some of that leads to good performances and a result but, it isn’t the be-all and end-all.

“We’re definitely process focused on getting our way of play right and making sure we’re prepared for Paris.”

Maddison Brooks is again part of the Hockeyroos squad. Picture: Getty Images

HOCKEYROOS FIH PRO LEAGUE MATCHES

Antwerp, Belgium

v Belgium, May 30, 12.30am

v Argentina, May 30, 10.15pm

v Argentina, June 1, 7.45pm

v Belgium, June 2, 10pm

London, England

v Great Britain, June 8, 9.15pm

v Germany, June 9, 7pm

v Germany, June 12, 2.45am

v Great Britain, June 13, 5am

All times AEDT

HOCKEYROOS FIH PRO LEAGUE SQUAD

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, Penny Squibb, Grace Stewart, Tatum Stewart, Renee Taylor, Mariah Willams, Grace Young

Originally published as 22 can’t fit into 16: Competition for spots in Hockeyroos Paris squad red-hot