Eddie Ockenden

Just got heaps of images of me at the Olympics. I’ve put them in the photo section, and here too.

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Images are copyright Grant Treeby Images

More photos available on the photo website

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Game 4 of the series ended in a 1 all draw at the Perth Hockey Stadium Sunday night. Unfortunately it was my turn to miss a game because we had 21 players in our squad for the series and only 16 playing each day. It was hard to watch the game from the stands especially when it was such a close game.

The draw meant that the Kookaburras wrapped up the series with 2 wins to 1. Which was a good result for the team early on in the year with some new players coming into the team.

Monday – Australia Day – was a great day for the team to be able to relax. A group of us found a park near the beach and played some cricket and listened to the hottest 100. The Dutch team also came for a few hours during the day, it was nice to be able to socialise after such a tough series. They head to India to compete in a series there today.

For now, its back to the training track all week before we meet up in Canberra for a series against Belgium. Keep you posted.

Cheers

Eddie is talking about the recent Dutch series.

Hear the intervew between Eddie and Rob Cross (ABC Grandstand 24th Jan 2009 at 3:35pm)

At the start of the interview, you’ll hear Rob Cross talk about the previous discussion with Ric Charlesworth.

Hear that interview (ABC Grandstand 24th Jan 2009 at 2:49pm)

A great result last night in Perth saw the Kookaburras get up 7 – 3 in a tightly fought contest. I was lucky enough to score 2 more goals in the match both in the first half. The first goal was a scrappy goal mouth scramble which came after only 6 minutes. The second was a rebound from a penalty corner flick. In between my goals Luke Doerner sent a bullet flick into the backboard which gave the Dutch keeper no chance. We went into the half time break 3 – 2 up, which quickly went to 5 – 2 early in the second with goals to Russel Ford and Mark Knowles. Knowlesy, who was captain for the day, had a particularly outstanding game and I am informed it has been 73 games since his previous goal. Liam De Young and Eli Matheson wrapped the game up with goals late in the game.

Victorian goalie ‘Gorgeous’ George Bazeley made his debut in the game, congratulations to him and his first win with the Kookaburras.

Last game is on sunday night, we have a strong emphasis on improving throughout the series so we want to finish well and not to drop off our performance. There are still a lot of areas where we need to improve.

Email me any questions, Cheers.

Eddie on ABC South West, WA

Talking about professional hockey, Hobart, Olympics 2008 and new squad members.

Hear the interview

Charlesworth appointment a new era for hockey

The Kookaburra’s two-time World Hockey Player of the Year and Olympic Gold Medallist Jamie Dwyer believes the appointment of Ric Charlesworth as Australian head coach, has signalled a new era in Australian Men’s Hockey.

Dwyer took a backseat in last night’s win as 2008 International Hockey Federation Young Player of the Year, Eddie Ockenden, led the way for the Kookaburras scoring twice.

Read the full article

Source: Clint Thomas at thewest.com.au

The Kooaburras beat the Netherlands to tie up their hockey series

Australia handed coach Ric Charlesworth his first victory as they locked up their four-match hockey series with a 4-2 win over the Netherlands in Busselton.

The Kookaburras avenged their first-up defeat with a stirring second half performance, young gun Eddie Ockenden and veteran Grant Schubert both scoring doubles for the home side.

Full article

Plenty of belief in Kookas coach: Dwyer

Star Kookaburras striker Jamie Dwyer says the squad has complete trust and belief in Ric Charlesworth as the master coach attempts to usher in a new golden era in Australian men’s hockey.

Full article

Source: Justin Chadwick, Sydney Morning Herald

We are back in Perth now after playing our first two games in Busselton and Bunbury against the Dutch team.

I had a great stay in Busselton even though it was pretty brief. I could easily spend a week down south exploring the beaches and scenery but we have more pressing matters with another game in Perth on Friday night.

We went down 2 – 4 in the first game in Busselton. The game was going well early in the first half but 3 goals in 5 minutes put us 0 – 3 behind going into the break. We had a few opportunites and a few short corners where we should have converted some goals or at least better chances. After the break we were able to claw back to 2 – 3, with goals to Des Abbott and a stroke to Rob Hammond. However, a quick reply from the Dutch put the game out of reach. Congratulations to debutantes Ian Burcher, Matthew Butturini and Ross Meadows.

Backing up the next day in Bunbury was always going to be tough, but we prepared well and put in a better performance. The Netherlands scored in the first minute from a PC, but after that I thought we pretty much controlled the game and had more chances, even though the score was 1 – 1 at half time and 2 – 2 with with 20 minutes to go. Personally the second game was a lot better and I was able to get a couple of goals which is always nice. A great first win for debutantes (my room mate) Joel Carroll,  Matthew Butturini and Ross Meadows.

Overall we had two really tough games and playing back to back is always difficult. We had really good support from the crowds down south and I think they would have enjoyed the games. I am sure the next two games on friday and sunday night will be just as hard fought and hope we get some support from the Perth hockey community.

Cheers.

P.S – Here are some of the photos from the series