Kookaburras Name Squad to Challenge for Tokyo Qualification

Three Western Australian hockey stars have been tasked
with helping the Kookaburras secure their passage to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic
Games.

 

Head coach Colin Batch this week confirmed the 18-member
squad that will contest the Oceania Cup – which represents Australia’s first
opportunity to book a spot for the Games.

 

Co-captain Aran Zalewski will be a crucial member
of the team for the tournament to be held in the regional Queensland town of
Rockhampton from 5-8 September.

 

Zalewski has been capped 180 times for the Kookaburras
and he was named tournament MVP at this year’s inaugural Hockey Pro League which
replaced the disbanded Champions Trophy.

 

The Margaret River product will be joined by fellow
Western Australians Tyler Lovell and Jake Harvie.

 

Lovell is one of two goalkeepers named in the squad, with
he and Andrew Charter set to challenge for a starting role.

 

Harvie is building a fine representative career in the
green and gold, with Tokyo representing the next major drawcard for 21 year-old
who has already tasted Commonwealth Games gold on home soil.

 

There was disappointment however for veteran Trent Mitton,
with the key striker ruled out of selection with a hamstring injury.

 

The Kookaburras must top a three-match series with rivals
New Zealand to earn direct passage for Tokyo. Considering the prize at stake,
it is little surprise that Batch has reminded his charges not to rest on their previous
success.

 

“We’ve had steady progress but we’re not where we want to
be yet,” said Batch.

 

“We realise the tournament doesn’t start for another week
but we had the week long training camp in Japan and I see this week as a very
important preparation week for us.

 

“Then we head to Rockhampton on Sunday. The excitement
will build even more once we get away, but this week of training is really
important that we get it right.”

 

The Hockekyroos will also test their Tokyo hopes in
Rockhampton against New Zealand. On this occasion, no Western Australians have earned
selected for the women’s Oceania Cup squad.