Paris 2024: How the gutsy Rosie Malone fronted up to help Hockeyroos despite selection controversy and heartbreak

Rosie Malone was controversially left out of Australia’s Olympic hockey squad. But despite a failed appeal, she is still doing what she can to help, despite claims of bias against selectors.

Rosie Malone issues heartfelt thanks. Photo: Simon Watts/www.bwmedia.co.nz @bwmedianz

Rosie Malone has issued a heartfelt thanks to those who helped and supported her through her controversial omission from the Hockeyroos Paris Olympic team.

The 26-year-old claimed bias and an imperfect selection criteria affected selectors’ decision to leave her out in her appeal to the National Sports Tribunal.

But the challenge was dismissed and Malone showed huge depth of character in returning to Hockey Australia’s Perth high performance centre to help the Hockeyroos prepare for Paris by fronting up to compete against them.

“The last few weeks have been extremely difficult and it still doesn’t feel real, but I am totally overwhelmed by all the help and messages of support I’ve received from friends, family, fans, other elite athletes and even total strangers from around the world,” Malone wrote on Instagram.

“I haven’t been able to reply to everyone individually yet, but those messages have been what has got me through the hardest days, particularly last week when I flew back to Perth to play in the Australia A team with the development squad in matches against the Olympic team to help with their preparation for Paris.”

Rosie Malone issues public note of thanks. Picture: @rosie.malone on Instagram

Malone admitted trepidation about her future, despite public assurances from coach Katrina Powell the fiery striker had not been barred from future Hockeyroos selection.

“I’m not sure what’s next for me, but I wanted to say thank you and I am looking forward to spending time at home to process and rebuild.”

The post also featured a quote from best-selling author and intellectual Brene Brown: “Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them.”

Current and former Hockeyroos replied with messages of support, including squad mate Greta Hayes, who also missed Paris selection and was featured in an image with Malone: “so proud of you, my friend.”

The Hockeyroos hit off their Olympic campaign against South Africa on Sunday, July 28 at 8.45pm.

Originally published as Paris 2024: How the gutsy Rosie Malone fronted up to help Hockeyroos despite selection controversy and heartbreak