Kookaburras Claim Historic Final Champions Trophy Title
The Kookaburras have claimed a 15th Champions Trophy title after a dramatic shootout victory over India in the final in the Netherlands.
Tyler Lovell played a star role for the Australians, reprising his heroics from the 2016 decider, to once again lead the Kookaburras to victory via a heart-stopping penalty shootout in the last ever Champions Trophy before it is replaced in 2019 with the new Hockey Pro League (HPL).
After a tough fight with India in the group stage, it came as no surprise to see the Kookaburras forced to dig deep to win the title.
Australia took a one-goal lead in the 24th minute following a smart flick finish from Blake Govers from a penalty corner move.
India struck back through Vivek Prasad in the 42ndminute meaning the match would be decided by penalties.
Lovell then came to the fore, stopping all but one of India’s attempts as Aran Zalewski, Daniel Beale and Jeremy Edwards secured Australia’s record 15th Champions Trophy success.
In a strong result for WA hockey, Australian co-captain Aran Zalewski was named Player of the Tournament whilst Jake Harvie was crowned FIH Rising Star (best young player).
Following the win, Kookaburras keeper Tyler Lovell said the team had been keen to sign-off on a tournament that had meant a great deal to the Australians.
“We wanted to win this, it’s a massive tournament for us and we’re very proud of our history in it. So to win it is just awesome.
“We were consistent throughout the tournament, we only lost one game and we got better and better as the tournament went on so I think it all adds up. At the end of the day we’ve got a good young group, after Rio we had a bit of a shakeup and we’re going in the right direction,” he said.
Kookaburras coach Colin Batch was proud of the performance of his co-captains and acknowledged Jake Harvie’s development.
“We gave Aran the co-leadership with Eddie Ockenden and both of them led the team very well. We’re really pleased with their leadership. Most importantly with the leadership is that they still both performed well,” he said.
“I think Jake has come a long way. He keeps improving and we see this as a transition period for him. I think moving forward he’ll be a really important player for us.”
Batch also praised Lovell’s contribution not just in the shootout but when the game was up for grabs late on.
“He had a good performance in the shootouts, they only got one out of the four shots and he was very dominant there. Towards the end of the game he made some critical saves at one-all. He’s a hard working goalkeeper and I’m pleased to see him get some reward and play so well for us in a final.”
Trent Mitton also played in the final for Australia following an outstanding campaign throughout.