Hockey Australia have announced their final 16-member team selected for the Rio Olympics 2016 to be held in Brazil next month. Being the World No. 1 side by quite a fair distance, this is the side to watch out for when the wheels of the 2016 Olympic hockey action between the 12 qualified teams are set in motion.
In all nine previous editions of the Olympics which they took part in, Australian men’s hockey team has earned a semi-final berth, with their best finish coming in Athens 2004 where they had clinched their maiden Olympic gold. 10 of the individuals named in the current squad have experienced Olympic hockey before while the rest are eager debutants.
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Having featured in back-to-back bronze-winning Australian teams over the past couple of editions, captain Mark Knowles has revealed the Kookaburras’ gold ambitions for this year, when he will play his 4th Olympic Games. Joining him will be charismatic forward Jamie Dwyer who, at 37, thus becomes the oldest hockey player from his country to compete at the Olympics. Among the other notable seniors are Eddie Ockenden and Fergus Kavanagh for each of whom, Rio will be a third Olympic appearance.
Making into the Olympic squad for his/her nation is a special achievement for any sportsperson but this prolific Australian side has made it clear that they will not be content with anything short of a top spot finish at Rio.
The Squad:
Mark Knowles, Jamie Dwyer, Eddie Ockenden, Fergus Kavanagh, Blake Govers, Daniel Beale, Jake Whetton, Matthew Dawson, Andrew Charter, Tristan White, Chris Ciriello, Simon Orchard, Glenn Turner, Matthew Swann, Matt Gohdes, and Tim Deavin.
