Hockeyroos and Kookaburras ready for FIH Pro League opener against Belgium

Published On: 24 January 2020

The Hockeyroos and Kookaburras’ 2020 campaigns begin this weekend with the take on Belgium in the opening FIH Pro League matches at the Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre.

The back-to-back games on Saturday and Sunday provide the perfect opener to 2020 for both teams.

Having claimed the world number one ranking by claiming the inaugural Pro League title the Kookaburras take on world number and the side the beat in what will be a hotly contested opening clash to renew their rivalry at the start of an Olympic year.

The team is captained by WA’s Aran Zalewski and goalkeeper Tyler Lovell also adds to the WA representation in the 18-player squad.

“Belgium have been an outstanding team for a number of years,” said Kookaburras Head Coach Colin Batch.

“They were runners up at the last Olympics and they won the last World Cup so they are definitely one of the best teams going around.

“Belgium are a great attacking team so we know we need to defend well and we know we will get some opportunities, so it will be a matter of who takes their chances.”

The 18 player Hockeyroos side includes WA’s Georgia Wilson who is eyeing her first Olympic appearance later this year. The powerful Belgian Team will be a tough opening test for Australia, having lost both their matches in 2019.

Hockeyroos Head Coach Paul Gaudoin is confident the preparation in Perth has the team ready to start their 2020 season.

“Training has been really good in Perth, there is a positive feeling among the group and we’re really looking forward to taking on Belgium tomorrow.”

“In this early part of the year we’re trying to build on our connections, but we understand that we are playing against a very good team.”

“Consistency is what we are after for the duration of the year and that starts this weekend.”

Both games will be streamed live on KAYO.

Schedule
Saturday 25 January
Hockeyroos v Belgium (1:00PM Perth)
Kookaburras v Belgium (3:30PM Perth)

Sunday 26 January
Hockeyroos v Belgium (12:00pm Perth)
Kookaburras v Belgium (2:30pm Perth)