Like Father Like Son for Kookaburras
WAIS hockey athlete Jonathon Charlesworth will make history along with coach Ric Charlesworth when they become the first father – son coach and player combination in Kookaburras history, with Jonathon today selected to debut for the Kookaburras in an upcoming tour of Malaysia.
The 24 year old will be joined by Queensland pair Matt Gohdes and Matthew Swann as debutants when the Kookaburras tour Malaysia in a five test series from October 16-26.
In a strong outcome for the WAIS men’s hockey program, seven representatives have been included in the 22 man squad with Charlesworth joined by Olympians Fergus Kavanagh and Kiel Brown alongside capped players Graeme Begbie, Ross Meadows, Ian Burcher and Brett Dancer.
Jonathon, who is a member of the 2009 Kookaburras development squad, represented Australia A several months ago in a series against Malaysia, Canada and the Kookaburras. He has been an important member of the SmokeFree WA Thundersticks line up since debuting in the Australian Hockey League in 2004.
While Jonathon shares many similarities to his father, including wearing a headband similar to what Ric wore during his playing days and is also studying to be a doctor like his father, he says he is looking forward to paving his own career.
“It’s only human nature for people to compare us, but I’m confident that my abilities are enough to have me stand on my own two feet. Having obviously grown up around hockey, I’m very excited to make my debut at the top level,” said Jonathon.
Ric said Jonathon’s inclusion, along with that of Matt Gohdes and Matthew Swann, will continue to expand the depth of the Kookaburras squad.
“All three players have shown encouraging signs throughout the year and have all earned the right to represent the Kookaburras. Obviously as a father I’m proud of Jonathon, but he will be treated no different from any other player in the squad,” said Charlesworth.
With the inclusion of these three players, 14 players have now made their debut for the Kookaburras under Ric Charlesworth this year, with the team continuing to develop their squad ahead of the ABN AMRO Hockey Champions Trophy which will be held in Melbourne from November 28 – December 6.
As the most prestigious event on the 2009 International Hockey calendar, all players will be desperate to impress Charlesworth during this Malaysian series in a bid to earn their spot in the Champions Trophy squad.
With players such as Jamie Dwyer, Eddie Ockenden and Des Abbott playing club hockey in the Netherlands, this tour will give the younger squad members a chance to step up and play a key role.
– Hockey Australia
