Orange's own Edwina Bone is on track to once again compete at the Olympic Games after securing a place in the Hockeyroos squad for 2021.
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Bone, who has 202 caps to her name, is the oldest player in the 25 woman squad and will bring experience to what is a relatively young group.
Head Coach Paul Gaudoin said the immediate focus is on July's Games in Tokyo, but added the selection panel's decisions were also made with the 2022 Commonwealth Games and next Olympic cycle in mind.
"Today's announcement comes with mixed emotions for many - that is the nature of high performance sport," he said.
"Selection is always difficult and even more so this year. I empathise with the athletes who have missed out but the selection panel has chosen a squad that it believes gives the Hockeyroos the best chance of success not just in 2021 but over the next Olympic cycle.
"The selection criteria takes into account a range of aspects so we stand by and respect the decisions the selectors have made."
Bone first made her debut for the national side in 2013 following two years in Hockey Australia's women's development program.
Since then, the defender has been a regular selection for international tournaments, including the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games where the side grabbed gold and silver medals.
Due to the impact of Covid and the inability of some athletes to attend the last month's national selection camp, the selection panel has named 25 athletes with the option of filling the full quota of 27 in the first quarter of 2021.
Other selections that the Hockeyroos highlighted were that of 20-year old striker Courtney Schonell and defender Meg Pearce.
Western Australian duo, goalkeeper Aleisha Power and defender Penny Squibb, were also selected following their performances at last month's national selection camp.
"Courtney (Schonell) joins Amy Lawton and Karri Somerville as athletes in our squad who are 20 years of age or younger. Throw in Aleisha Power, who is 23, and they represent the exciting present and future of the Hockeyroos," said Gaudoin.
"Their enthusiasm, desire and hunger to not only represent the Hockeyroos but compete and succeed is contagious."
"This squad includes some of the most exciting and talented young players in world hockey and gives us a fantastic blend of youth and experience."
Gaudoin added that Pearce's call-up came following on from a solid two year stretch of form.
"Meg is an athletic defender who epitomises the values and behaviours expected of a Hockeyroo," said Gaudoin.
"She has great mobility and closing speed and adds to our current defensive group."
"Penny (Squibb) has also shown marked improvement this year and will push our other defenders to push the bar even higher."
Other squad selections from the Central West include Parkes product Mariah Williams and Mudgee's Kate Jenner.
Williams so far has 83 Australian appearances and 15 goals to her name, while Jenner will look to add to her 127 caps.
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Riley Krause
I am a senior journalist for the Central Western Daily. A jack of all trades, I cover everything from sport, to human interest stories and crime. Drop me an email at riley.krause@austcommunitymedia.com.au
I am a senior journalist for the Central Western Daily. A jack of all trades, I cover everything from sport, to human interest stories and crime. Drop me an email at riley.krause@austcommunitymedia.com.au
