VIS hockey player, Johan Durst, made his Kookaburras debut against Germany with a 2-2 draw. This was the team’s final test match series prior to the Champions Trophy.
Kookaburras Head Coach, Colin Batch, spoke on Durst and Tim Brand making their international hockey debut:
“For them [Johan Durst and Tim Brand] to come in and play against such a good team like Germany is a good experience first up. It’s a tough debut but it’s also a very good one to play against such a top ranked team like Germany” said Batch.
Durst's rise to the Kookaburras has been a patient one, early in his career he he was the second in line goal keeper for Victoria. This patience has been coupled with overcoming adverstiy in dealing with lengthy stints on the sidelines through injury.
Victorian Institute of Sport Head Hockey Coach, Jay Stacy is not surprised Durst gained the call up to the Kookaburras with such important traits he stands by.
"His desire, commitment, professionalism and attention to detail are JD characteristics both on and off pitch," said Stacy.
The Kookaburras will turn their focus to their match against Belgium on Sunday as they look to defend their Champions Trophy title on 23 June - 1 July in Breda, Netherlands.
