Mark Knowles leads Kookaburras to gold medal in perfect end to his career

KOOKABURRAS legend Mark Knowles was sent into retirement a happy man as Australia beat New Zealand 2-0 in the Commonwealth Games hockey final.

KOOKABURRAS legend Mark Knowles was sent into retirement a happy man as Australia beat New Zealand 2-0 in the Commonwealth Games hockey final.

Knowles played strongly in his 325th and last match of his 15-year international career as Australia maintained their standing as the kings of the Commonwealth, securing their sixth men’s hockey gold from as many attempts.

Knowles did, however, fall short of nailing the fairytale punchline when he took a penalty stroke with five minutes to play but lifted it just above the bar.

Teammates swooped on the match ball at full-time and gave it to their captain.

“It’s a beautiful night, couldn’t have scripted it better,” he said afterwards.

“The boys were so good. I’m so proud. I looked at the clock a few times after I missed that stroke. I am so glad the boys held out. I love the game and I leave it in a good place.

Australia's Mark Knowles swith his players

“I’m pretty good at setting no short term goals, I’m in control of my emotions, I knew it was coming. I’m leaving the game when I love it. I can celebrate.

“Maybe tomorrow it will sink in, I’m so proud, I’m so happy for the guys, the ones that haven’t done this before. I wouldn’t give back a second of my career.

“I made a really strong point that you don’t get given things, you have to earn it.

“We did it in front of an amazing crowd. My little girl is asleep somewhere, my parents are so stoked, my wife was far more nervous than me. I just wanted to take it all in.

“I feel completely at ease with my decision, this is the right time.

“I have been given amazing honours if my time, being the flag bearer was one that stands out.”

Australia's Matthew Dawson (C) celebrates with teammates

New Zealand were up for the fight early and Australia had to work hard to snare the first gold in the second quarter when Aaron Kleinschmidt glided one past the keeper as if he was giving slips practice at cricket training.

Australia swept to a 2-0 lead just before halftime when Matt Dawson arrowed a drive into the right side of the net off a defender’s stick.

Knowles was off the ground at the time but embraced coaching staff and teammates in the dugout as he sensed the road to victory was almost complete.

Australia celebrate victory in the Men's gold medal match

Knowles was honoured with the role as Australian flag-bearer at the opening ceremony and had moved home from the national hockey base in Perth to Brisbane last year with a view to concentrating on Commonwealth Games gold.

Due to a bewildering piece of programming, the match did not finish until 10.40pm meaning the fanfare for one of Australian sport’s most respected servants was less than what it should have been.

Originally published as Mark Knowles leads Kookaburras to gold medal in perfect end to his career