The FIH announced the All-Stars for 2011, which feature a total of 36 players and four coaches who have lit up the hockey world over the past 12 months with their achievements.

Congratulations to Kobie McGurk, Jamie Dwyer, Matthew Swann and Eddie Ockenden for being selected in the 2011 All-Star Teams.

The squads – which were decided by public vote on the FIH Website between 12th and 21st December – feature a number of players who have been regularly named in the All-Stars, such as six times nominees Jamie Dwyer (AUS), Teun de Nooijer (NED) and Luciana Aymar (ARG). Astonishingly, these three superstars have also collected a staggering fifteen FIH Player of the Year titles over the years, so it is no surprise that they have been ever-presents since the annual All-Stars came into existence in 2006.

However, these iconic players are far from being the only high achievers in the All-Stars. Brilliant Germany striker Natascha Keller has made the list for a fifth time, having missed the cut just once since 2006. Netherlands penalty corner expert Maartje Paumen is another regular on the women’s list, making the All-Stars for the fourth time following fine midfield displays as her team won Gold at the Rabo FIH Champions Trophy and the Euro Hockey Nations Championships. Consistently excellent England and Great Britain midfielder Helen Richardson has also been rewarded with a third successive appearance in the All-Stars, as is Argentina defender Noel Barrionuevo.  Fellow Argentine Carla Rebecchi also makes the list for the third time following appearances in 2010 and 2008. Soledad Garcia (ARG), Gemma Flynn (NZL) and goalkeeper Joyce Sombroek (NED) make the All-Stars for the second time.

On the men’s side, midfielders Eddie Ockenden (AUS) and Moritz Fürste (GER) both notch up their fourth appearances in the All-Stars, while Fürste’s team-mate Max Müller and dazzling Spanish striker Santi Freixa – named Player of the Tournament at the recent Owen G Glenn FIH Champions Trophy – both make the grade for a third time.  India’s Sardar Singh achieves the accolade for the second successive year, as do Tobias Hauke (GER), Lucas Vila (ARG) and Nick Wilson (NZL).

As well as these more familiar names, a number of other gifted individuals have made the All-Stars for the very first time. The fine form of Germany goalkeeper Yvonne Frank has been rewarded with a coveted place in the All-Stars where she is accompanied by her team-mate Julia Müller, who has excelled in defence for her country over the last 12 months. Netherlands youngster Willemijn Bos continues her rapid rise to stardom by also claiming a place amongst the defenders where she is joined by fellow first-timers Kobie McGurk (AUS) and Katelyn Falgowski (USA). Kim Da Rae is another newcomer to the All-Stars following a number of superb displays in midfield for Korea. Lively attackers Alex Danson (ENG) and Anita Punt (NZL) have been named amongst the forwards, alongside remarkable South African Pietie Coetzee, who this year became hockey’s all time top goal-scorer when she surpassed the previous mark of 220 set by Russia’s Natalya Krasnikova some 20 years ago.

Of the 18 strong men’s All-Star squad, seven players are there for the first time. Max Weinhold makes it an impressive double for German goalkeepers, joining Yvonne Frank in the 2011 All-Stars. Weinhold is accompanied by Belgium’s David van Rysselberghe, who sparkled in goal for his country as they finished fourth at the EuroHockey Nations Championships before winning the FIH Champions Challenge in South Africa at the beginning of December. Felix Denayer is another Belgian international on the list, having been a defensive rock for his team during their magnificent year. Wouter Jolie (NED), Ramon Alegre (ESP) and 2011 FIH Young Player of the Year Matthew Swann (AUS) have also made the list for the first time after consistently superb performances for their respective nations in 2011. Tom Boon (BEL) and Florian Fuchs (GER) – two of the hottest young talents in the game – have both been given the recognition that they deserve thanks to the public vote.

As well as the players, the public also had their chance to vote for the coaches that have impressed the most this year. Netherlands women’s coach Max Caldas makes the list after a stunning year in which his team won Gold at the Rabo FIH Champions Trophy and the EuroHockey Nations Championships. He is joined by Mark Hager, the Australian who guided New Zealand’s Black Sticks to a first ever Bronze medal at the Champions Trophy before masterminding victory in the Oceania Cup.

As well as three players making the All-Stars in 2011, Belgium’s fantastic year has been further recognized by the inclusion of coach Colin Batch, the Australian tactician who saw his team achieve Olympic qualification and win the recent FIH Champions Challenge with a sensational 4-3 victory over India. Ireland’s South African coach Paul Revington also makes the list after his young team made huge strides forward this year, including an above-ranking fifth place finish at the EuroHockey Nations Championships.

FIH All Stars 2011 – Women:

Goalkeepers
Yvonne Frank (GER)
Joyce Sombroek (NED)

Defenders
Willemijn Bos (NED)
Julia Müller (GER)
Noel Barrionuevo (ARG)
Kobie McGurk (AUS)
Katelyn Falgowski (USA)

Midfielders
Luciana Aymar (ARG)
Helen Richardson (ENG / GBR)
Maartje Paumen (NED)
Gemma Flynn (NZL)
Kim Da Rae (KOR)

Forwards
Alex Danson (ENG)
Natascha Keller (GER)
Carla Rebecchi (ARG)
Soledad Garcia (ARG)
Anita Punt (NZL)
Pietie Coetzee (RSA)

Coaches  
Mark Hager (AUS), Coach of New Zealand
Max Caldas (ARG), Coach of The Netherlands

FIH All Stars 2011 – Men:

Goalkeepers
David van Rysselberghe (BEL)
Max Weinhold (GER)

Defenders
Felix Denayer (BEL)
Max Müller (GER)
Ramon Alegre (ESP)
Wouter Jolie (NED)
Matthew Swann (AUS)

Midfielders
Tobias Hauke (GER)
Moritz Fürste (GER)
Sardar Singh (IND)
Teun de Nooijer (NED)
Eddie Ockenden (AUS)

Forwards
Tom Boon (BEL)
Florian Fuchs (GER)
Jamie Dwyer (AUS)
Nick Wilson (NZL)
Lucas Vila (ARG)
Santi Freixa (ESP)

Coaches    
Colin Batch (AUS), Coach of Belgium
Paul Revington (RSA), Coach of Ireland

Goals – Aus Eddie Ockenden 59m PC
The Kookaburras have created further history under the guidance of Ric Charlesworth, today defeating Spain 1-0 in today’s Champions Trophy final in Auckland to become the first team to win 4 Champions Trophy titles in a row.

Pictures by Treeby Images

In what was a remarkable showing by the world number 1 team, they have gone through the tournament undefeated but were pushed by a much improved Spanish team.

The Kookaburras started the match well, having two early shots on goal by Jason Wilson and Matt Gohdes, both which were well saved by the Spanish goalkeeper.

However as the half progressed Spain worked their way on top, looking the more dangerous team. This resulted in two great opportunities to score, one going to David Alegre who had a one on one with the goalkeeper however the shot went over the goal. Only minutes later Roc Oliva had an even better chance, with Australian goalkeeper Andrew Charter coming out of the net, giving Oliva an open look however his shot went to the left.

The Kookaburras managed to hang on for the remainder of the half despite some more close calls, with the scored locked at 0-0 at half time.

The Kookaburras emerged more focused in the second half, clearly player much better hockey compared to the first half. This resulted in them controlling the entire 35 minutes with a number of circle penetrations. However with the Spanish defence playing extremely tight, the Kookaburras struggling to find their first goal.

They had two great opportunities via Tim Deavin and Jason Wilson, however both shots went left of the goal.

In the dying stages of the game it looked as though the match would be headed for extra time. However when the Kookaburras were awarded a penalty corner, the first of the match, they were given a perfect opportunity to take the lead.

After Luke Doerner’s initial shot was saved, a scramble in the circle resulted in Australia’s Eddie Ockenden putting away the crucial goal, making it Australia 1 Spain 0.

Now only needing to defend their lead the Kookaburras held of a determined Spain in the dying minutes to take out the final and reinforce their place as the world’s top hockey team.

Ric Charlesworth said he was pleased with his team’s performance
“it was a typical final, very tough. And we played much, much better than that first game against Spain. So I’m happy with the way we played. It was a tough match but I was very pleased we defended well today, and that maybe was the difference,” said Charlesworth.

For further information contact Shaun Anderson on 0412 654 931

Pictures by Treeby Images

The Kookaburras have held off a determined New Zealand to remain undefeated at the Champions Trophy with a 2-1 win in Auckland, New Zealand.

With a spot in the final already assured regardless of today’s result the Kookaburras will face off with Spain in tomorrow’s tournament grand final after they defeated the Netherlands today.

If the Kookaburras are successful against Spain tomorrow, they will become the first team ever to win four Champions Trophy titles in a row.

The Kookaburras dominated the early stages of the first half, but were unable to convert this onto the scoreboard thanks in part to the New Zealand defence and goalkeeper Kyle Pontifex.

The shots on goal continued to come for the Kookaburras, and it seemed only a matter of time before one of them would go in.

They eventually got the break they were looking for thanks to smart play between Des Abbott and Glenn Simpson which resulted in a goal to Abbott and a 1-0 lead to the Kookaburras.

As the half went on New Zealand became more dangerous, looking to catch the Kookaburras off guard and score on the rebound. They came close on several occasions and would have succeeded if not for some good defence on the last line of defence by the likes of Matthew Swann and Kiel Brown.

Despite the best efforts of the Australian defence they were left helpless when New Zealand were awarded the first penalty corner of the game, with the conversion making it 1-1.

The Kookaburras were given an opportunity to respond immediately with a penalty corner of their own, however it was unsuccessful, with the teams heading into half time tied up.

New Zealand picked up where they had left off after half time, continuing to put the Australian defence under pressure, with young goalkeeper Andrew Carter doing well to hold out any further score.

Mid way through the half the Kookaburras lifted their pressure close to their goal, causing several turn overs however they were unable to transfer this into goals.

Eventually they regained the lead thanks to a clever play involving Jamie Dwyer and Eddie Ockenden, with Ockenden finishing it off to make it 2-1.

Despite taking the lead New Zealand were arguably still playing the better hockey and with 10 minutes remaining they applied extreme pressure looking for an equaliser. It almost came when they were awarded a penalty corner with the last play of the day, but the shot went wide and the Kookaburras were able to hang on.

“I thought we were very lucky and we didn’t play well. We were profligate in the first half -27 circle penetrations and 11 shots – in the second half we defended grimly but we didn’t do much else. So its hard to know, there was nothing hanging on the result and sometimes that has an effect even though you hope it wouldn’t but that’s a challenge,” said Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth.

Charlesworth said he expects Spain to be a real challenge in tomorrow’s tournament grand final.

“I think Spain are a difficult team for everybody to play, I thought that after the first day and I thought after the first day we might end up playing them in the end and that has come to surpass so I’m not surprised because they are a good team. I thought they would be difficult here because they didn’t play well in Europe. Spain’s team has improved over the last few years, they have brought in some good young players and their senior players are playing well and they have strength in every area,” said Charlesworth.

The Kookaburras will enter the final as favourites having defeated Spain 3-2 on the first day of the tournament.

The match will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and delayed on ABC from 5.30pm.

For further information contact Shaun Anderson on 0412 654 931.

Tuesday 6 December
Kookaburras 6 Pakistan 1
Goals – Aus Jamie Dwyer 22m FG/ 45m FG/ 48m FG, Aus Eddie Ockenden 31m FG, Aus Luke Doerner 40m PC, Aus Mark Paterson 53m FG, Pak Muhammad Tousiq 64m PC
Kookaburra champions Jamie Dwyer has done his world player of the year nomination chances no harm after scoring three goals and leading the Kookaburras to a 6-1 win over Pakistan today at the Champions Trophy in Auckland, New Zealand.

Dwyer along with teammate Eddie Ockenden were today nominated as world player of the year candidates and both were instrumental the Kookaburras massive win today.

The win sees the Kookaburras remain undefeated at the Champions Trophy and take solid form into the finals rounds which begin on Thursday.

Spain has also made it to the finals rounds and will be joined by two of Germany, the Netherlands or New Zealand depending on the final game today against Netherlands and New Zealand.

Given that the Kookaburras 3-2 win over Spain from earlier in the tournament will be carried into the finals round pools, the Kookaburras are in a strong position to continue to do well throughout the tournament.

With Pakistan having defeated the Kookaburras during their last encounter in Perth recently, Australia did not take them lightly despite having already qualified for the finals round of the tournament.

The opening stages were fairly even, with neither team really able to gain an edge over the other. With Pakistan playing defensive hockey, the Kookaburras struggled to break them down, restricting the number of circle penetrations and shots of goal for the world number 1 team.

The Kookaburras got their break through following a shot on goal from the baseline by Jamie Dwyer which hit the goalkeepers pads and bounced into the back of the net to give Australia a 1-0 lead.

The Kookaburras continued to build their momentum as the half went on, with their fitness allowing them to take control of the game. This allowed them to extend their lead late in the half when Eddie Ockenden followed up a strong shot on goal by Kieran Govers, with Ockenden perfectly timing his shot while on the run to give the Kookaburras a 2-0 lead leading into half time.

The Kookaburras continued their good form in the second half and were given further breathing space when Luke Doerner converted a penalty corner at the 40 minute mark to make it 3-0.

With the game still slightly in the balance, Dwyer put an end to any comeback hopes by Pakistan , scoring two consecutive goals, including one amazing one from a deflection on a tight angle to put the result beyond doubt.

With the flood gates open the Kookaburras continued for all-out attack, scoring their 6^th goal thanks to a great pass from Tim Deavin which found Mark Paterson alone in the circle, with Paterson making no mistake.

Pakistan brought some respectability to the scoreboard when they converted a late penalty corner, but the game belonged to the Kookaburras as they look to be building as the tournament progresses.

Kookaburra coach Ric Charlesworth said the result was deserved by his team.

“I think it was a thorough performance. It was an arm wrestle for a long time, but I think eight shots to one in the first half was starting to tell but we had to keep grinding away, they are a dangerous team if they were to get some wind in their sails but fortunately they didn’t,” said Charlesworth.
Charlesworth also paid tribute to his three players nominated for their awards today.

“Eddie’s form has been terrific including today and Jamie just keeps popping up in the right places. I think Matthew Swann is someone who also deserves recognition (he was nominated for world young player of the year),” said Charlesworth.

For further information contact Shaun Anderson on 0412 654 931.

Spain 8-1 Great Britain

Santi Freixa and Roc Oliva both scored twice as Spain produced a simply sensational performance to defeat Great Britain 8-1 in their final match of Pool A. It was a magnificent display from the Spanish, who came back from 1-0 down to score four times in either half to seal their place in Pool C, which keeps alive their hopes of winning the Owen G Glenn FIH Champions Trophy.  Great Britain will now play in for 5-8 in Pool D.

Despite a couple of early Spanish chances, the early stages of the game were dominated by Great Britain, who pressured the circle but failed to create clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities. It was the Brits who opened the match scoring midway through the half when Barry Middleton was on hand to force home a penalty corner rebound from close range following a from Ashley Jackson.

Conceding the goal only served to inspire the Spanish, who hit back almost immediately when a completely unmarked Edi Tubau received the ball in front of goal before calmly slotting past Great Britain keeper George Pinner, who was making his Champions Trophy debut. Incredibly, Spain then hit two more goals in quick succession as the normally solid Great Britain defence was undone by the movement of the lightning quick Spanish forwards.  Pau Quemada drilled home Spain’s second before team captain Santi Freixa exploded into the Great Britain circle before producing a stunning shot which rattled into the goal off the left post.

Spain’s fourth goal arrived five minutes before half time and confirmed that luck was very much against the British, as Gabriel Dabanch’s push shot bounced back off the post before hitting GB keeper Pinner and rolling over the goal-line.

The Spanish forwards continued to terrorize the British defensive line in the early stages of the second half, with Freixa and Tubau in particular proving too hot to handle.  A fifth goal soon arrived, and it was defender Juan Fernandez who slid in to slap home a loose ball from the right in the 44^th minute.

Great Britain saw good second half chances go begging through Glenn Kirkham and Mark Gleghorne, but Spain were far more clinical with their chances as Santi Freixa netted a sixth before Roc Oliva produced a marvellous finish from an glorious Edi Tubau pass. Oliva completed the scoring with a blistering penalty corner flick in the final minute, giving Spain a magnificent victory which secures their place in Pool C where they will compete for the 1-4 places.

Eddie Ockenden - credit Treeby Images

Kookaburras champions Jamie Dwyer has been given a further opportunity to stake his claim as the world’s best hockey player after today being nominated for the FIH World Player of the year award.

Dwyer has been nominated as one of five players to win the award. In a sign of the strength of Australia’s men’s team the Kookaburras have two players nominated within the five shortlisted players, with 24 year old Eddie Ockenden also nominated to win the award for the first time.

Jamie Dwyer – credit Treeby Images

Dwyer and Ockenden will battle against the Netherlands’ Teun de Nooijer (3 time winner of the award) and Germany’s Moritz Furste and their captain Max Muller.
Dwyer is a four time winner of the award (2004, 2007, 2009, 2010) and has won the award more times than any other player in the world.
For Ockenden, this is the first time he has ever been nominated however he was the winner of the 2008 world young player of the year award, a title also won by Dwyer in 2002.
The Hockeyroos do not have any players nominated for either women’s category.
2011 has been an indifferent year for Dwyer having suffered a serious knee injury earlier in the year while playing for his club side in the Netherlands. The injury required surgery and saw him sidelined for 3 months. He made his comeback at the Oceania Cup against New Zealand in October and has steadily improved in each game since. He has been one of the most important players for the Kookaburras at the current 2011 Champions Trophy and has scored three goals in two games to date.
Ockenden has also enjoyed a successful year. With the Kookaburras suffering a number of injuries throughout the year it has been Ockenden who has really stepped up to be one of our most consistent performers.
Young Kookaburras defender Matthew Swann has also been nominated for the men’s junior player of the year award. Swann has made a steady rise into the team since debuting in 2009 and has been part of the 2009 and 2010 Champions Trophy victories as well as the 2010 World Cup and Commonwealth Games gold medals.
Nominations for this prestigious prize have been put together by a panel of selected coaches from many of the world’s best international teams, including Max Caldas (Netherlands), Adam Commens (Australia), Carlos Retegui (Argentina), Lee Bodimeade (USA), Michael Behrmann (Germany), Danny Kerry (England & Great Britain) and Mark Hager (New Zealand) on the women’s side, and Ric Charlesworth (Australia), Markus Weise (Germany), Jason Lee (England & Great Britain), Pablo Lombi (Argentina), Shane McLeod (New Zealand) and Colin Batch (Belgium) on the men’s side. The winners will be determined from these shortlists by a vote amongst the players.

The winners of the men’s awards will be announced on Saturday 10 December at the Champions Trophy in Auckland, New Zealand.

The 2011 FIH All-Star teams will be decided by public vote on the FIH Website between 12^th and 21^st December.

Women’s FIH Young Player of the Year Nominees
Willemijn Bos (NED)
Katelyn Falgowski (USA)
Charlotte Harrison (NZL)
Stacey Michelsen (NZL)
Joyce Sombroek (NED)

Men’s FIH Young Player of the Year Nominees
Florent van Aubel (BEL)
Billy Bakker (NED)
Florian Fuchs (GER)
Matthew Swann (AUS)
Nick Wilson (NZL)

Women’s FIH Player of the Year Nominees
Luciana Aymar (ARG)
Pietie Coetzee (RSA)
Li Hongxia (CHN)
Natascha Keller (GER)
Maartje Paumen (NED)

Men’s FIH Player of the Year Nominees

Jamie Dwyer (AUS)

Moritz Fürste (GER)

Max Müller (GER)

Teun de Nooijer (NED)

Eddie Ockenden (AUS)

For further information contact Shaun Anderson on 0412 654 931.

 Australian Country U21 Men 11 def Fiji Warriors 0 in Tournament warm up game.

In a spirited and fast moving game the Aussies were relentless in the push forward and were rewarded with a steady flow of goals. This was the first time the team have played together and used this game to sort out the structure and game plan they had been working on since their arrival in Fiji two days beforehand. Whilst encouraged by the scoreline, the Country boys know that when the tournament begins in earnest the goals may not be so plentiful.
The Fiji Warriors featured a number of young, fast and skillful players that signals the new approach Fiji hockey is taking to their future development.

Australian Country U21 Women 3 def Fiji 1
In a game that featured pace and skill from both teams, Fiji were the first to score in the opening minutes and the young Aussies found themselves fighting hard to get on the front foot. The equalizer came off the stick of Kelly Gillard on a Penalty Corner. Not long after Elizabeth McHugh converted another corner and at half time the Aussies led 2-1. The second half saw both teams failing to convert numerous opportunities with the hosts being thwarted on the last line of defence by keeper Kiona Jones. Mahala Williams converted a Penalty Stroke to put the result beyond question.

Day 2 sees both teams scheduled to play PNG and whilst starting as favourites, both teams will not find it necessarily easy.

 Kookaburras 3 Spain 2 (1-2 half time)
Goals – Aus Jamie Dwyer 10m FG/ 42m FG, ESP Jorge Gabriel Dabanch 25m FG, Esp Eduard Tubau 27m FG, Aus Des Abbott 65m PC

The Kookaburras have produced a come from behind scrappy win against Spain on the opening day of the 2011 Champions Trophy in Auckland, New Zealand.

Well lead by champions Jamie Dwyer, who scored two of Australia’s three goals, the Kookaburras were not convincing in their victory, and will look to make significant improvement throughout the tournament.

Despite this, the win gives them three vital points a great opportunity to create history by becoming the first team to win four Champions Trophy titles in a row.

Australia was given the best possible opportunity as soon as the game begun, awarded a penalty corner from the first play of the match.

But, perhaps in a sign of how the remainder of their game would play out, they failed to get a shot off, with Spain taking the ball all the way to the other end and coming extremely close to opening the score after hitting the frame of the goal.

With Spain yet to qualify for the Olympics, they were always going to come out strong in an attempt to take some big scalps at this tournament. And with Australia undoubtedly the biggest scalp available, they appeared switched on from the opening whistle.

Smart play for Jamie Dwyer gave the Kookaburras another chance to score, with the 4 time world player of the year using a referral to give Australia another penalty corner. This time they managed to get a shot away via Luke Doerner, however it was saved and the score remained 0-0.

It was then Spain’s turn for a penalty corner, which was well saved by young Australian goalkeeper Andrew Charter in his first ever Champions Trophy match.

Eventually Australia got some reward for their effort thanks to some individual brilliance from Eddie Ockenden in the circle which resulted in Dwyer converting Australia’s first goal.

Despite trailing on the scoreboard Spain were more than holding their own around the pitch, and looked very dangerous when moving forward due to the amount of space given to them by the Australians.

This ultimately resulted in a great goal by Jorge Gabriel Dabanch after Charter had come out of the net, giving Dabanch an open goal which still required a good shot which he delivered.

When Eduard Tubau converted Spain’s second goal only minutes later, the Australians were under pressure but managed to hang on until the half time break.

The Kookaburras showed more composure during the second half, however still not to the levels they would be expecting.

Once again it was Dwyer who stepped up for the Kookaburras, delivering a well placed shot out of the reach of the keeper to level the game.

After several more failed penalty corner attempts the Kookaburras finally managed to gain the lead with six minutes remaining after Des Abbott converted following a clever play from Luke Doerner and Chris Ciriello.

Spain tried desperately to find an equaliser, putting the Australian defence under extreme pressure. However the Kookaburras managed to hold on.

When asked what his team needed to improve on, Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth responded “just about everything”.

Jamie Dwyer also said the team still had many areas to improve on throughout the tournament.

“we were very passive, we need to be more aggressive than that. We gave their ball carriers too much time and space and too many chances. So we definitely didn’t play to our potential and probably lucky to get the result in the end.

There is no real excuses, maybe guys were a little bit nervous and scared to take the game on but you never want to go out there and play like that. You want to be on the front foot. We might have lifted a little bit (as the game went on) but it still wasn’t up to our standard so overall we are pretty disappointed,” said Dwyer.

The Kookaburras will next take on Great Britain on Sunday 4 December.