Hockey Australia has announced the 27-member 2019 National Senior Women’s Squad as the team builds towards the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It includes Victorian Institute of Sport’s Hayley Padget, Sophie Taylor, Rachael Lynch, Ashlee Wells, Kristina Bates and Lily Brazel.
The Hockeyroos, who finished the 2018 year ranked third after being runners-up at the Champions Trophy in November, will compete in the inaugural FIH Pro League from January to June next year, followed by the Oceania Cup which is the qualification event for the Tokyo Olympics.
The Selection Panel considered a number of priorities upon selecting the squad, with a long-term view to medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics along with achieving performance benchmarks in 2019 at the Pro League and Olympic qualification.
The Selection Panel also looked to reward impressive performances within the daily training environment and national/international matches throughout 2018 Hockeyroos coach Paul Gaudoin insisted.
“We’ve selected the 2019 squad with a good eye on Tokyo.” He said.
"We’re looking to narrow our focus towards Tokyo and have identified the key skills we believe necessary to enable success.
“It’s been a tough process. There’s a lot of good players who’ve missed out.
“But we want to give some opportunities to people who’ve been performing well in our national level, internationally or in their domestic environment.”
There are five new inclusions in the 2019 National Senior Women’s Squad, including VIS’ Hayley Padget and Sophie Taylor
Victorian Institute of Sport midfielder Padget is a great tale of determination, overcoming years of injury and frustration to debut for the Hockeyroos as a 26-year-old in September’s Four Nations in Japan where she scored in her maiden appearance.
“Hayley is a fast attacking midfielder who can create goals and create chances,” Gaudoin said.
Fellow VIS defender Taylor memorably debuted for Australia on her 23rd birthday at September’s Four Nations in Japan. She was part of Australia’s 2016 Junior World Cup team and helped the Victoria Vipers win the 2017 AHL title.
“Sophie is another good young defender who has a great out-letting range,” Gaudoin said.
The squad, whom are now on a break after finishing runners-up at last month’s Champions Trophy, will reconvene for training in Perth on Monday 14 January.
The Hockeyroos will play world number one Netherlands in their opening game of the inaugural FIH Pro League in Melbourne on Saturday 2 February on FOX SPORTS. Tickets are on sale now via ticketbooth.com.au.
