The 27-player Kookaburras squad for 2024 has been revealed by Head Coach Colin Batch, in preparation for what promises to be a year brimming with hockey excitement. The team is set to take part in the upcoming FIH Pro League and the eagerly awaited Paris Olympic Games.
The decision to maintain much of the 2023 squad was based on their commendable performances, notably their victory at the Oceania Cup against New Zealand in August, which secured their place in the 2024 Olympic Games.
Drawing talent from across Australia, the 2024 squad comprises players from various regions, including eight from NSW, seven from Queensland, four from Western Australia, three from Victoria, three from Tasmania, and one each from the NT and ACT.
With 13 players boasting over 100 caps for the national team, this squad brings a wealth of experience. Notably, the team includes the remarkable Eddie Ockenden, who is on the cusp of potentially becoming the first Australian hockey player to compete at five summer Olympic Games, and is currently tied for the sixth-most Olympic Games appearances by any Australian athlete.
The new additions to the squad include Queensland’s Corey Weyer, who has returned to the Kookaburras’ lineup following his impressive performances with the 2023 Men’s JDH Hockey One League Champions, the Brisbane Blaze. Additionally, in-form goalkeeper Ash Thomas from NSW Pride has also been named after an outstanding season with the JDH Hockey One League Men’s runners up.
Colin Batch expressed his confidence in the new additions, stating, “Ash (Thomas) comes into the squad after some impressive performances, and as the standout goalie across the past two Hockey One seasons. Following his debut earlier this year, he continues to refine and develop his performance, and therefore joins us full of confidence. Corey (Weyer) was a well-deserved selection too following his Hockey One performances this year.”
Maintaining an open mind towards finalizing the team for Paris, Batch emphasized the importance of consistent performance in both training and matches to secure a spot in the Olympic squad.
The 2024 season for the Kookaburras will commence with the FIH Pro League, followed by their pursuit of achieving a higher ranking in Paris after winning a silver medal in the last summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. With an impressive record of one gold, four silver, and five bronze medals since 1956, the team is eager to add to their success.
The players selected for the squad represent a diverse mix of talent from across Australia, and their performances will undoubtedly be watched with great interest as they prepare for the upcoming hockey season and the prestigious Paris Olympic Games in 2024.