Liddelow Drafted into Hockeyroos Squad

Western Australia’s Olympic contingent has swelled to 49 members after women’s hockey reserve Shelley Liddelow was drafted into the Hockeyroos squad following the hamstring injury to Fiona Johnson, suffered in Australia’s 2-2 warm up draw with World number 2, Argentina.

Liddelow who has played just 15 matches for Australia will now become the fifth WAIS women’s hockey representative in the Hockeyroos squad, joining Hope Munro, Kim Walker, Emily Halliday and Kobie McGurk.

Johnson who suffered a grade 2 tear of her left hamstring, just 15 minutes into Australia’s practice match will remain in the Olympic Village to help motivate the team, despite her obvious disappointment at missing the Beijing Games.

Hockeyroos Coach Frank Murray said in an official AOC statement that Johnson’s decision to remain in Beijing would only be a positive influence on the tight-knit playing group.

“She wants to be here and that’s a positive move from a short term and long term perspective,” Murray said.

“She’s part of the junior leadership group and has a future not only as a player but as a leader in this team long term.

“By staying she will learn so much more about the Olympic experience and I rate her a very strong chance for London 2012.”

Australian Women’s Hockey Team Doctor, Andrew Potter said Johnson was ruled out after an MRI scan confirmed earlier clinical assessments.

“Fiona would not have been ready to play the first game given that this type of injury needs 3-4 weeks recovery time, sometimes longer with a recurrence,” he said.

“Even with a swift recovery there was a high risk of recurrence of the injury during the Games time.”

27 year-old Victorian midfielder, Renee Trost will now head to Beijing to replace Liddelow as the reserve shadow member in the women’s squad.