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AAP
AAP
Sport
Murray Wenzel

Hockeyroos bank on experience with Olympics on the line

Stephanie Kershaw could play her 100th Hockeyroos game in the upcoming Oceania Cup in New Zealand. (James Gourley/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Experience will be key for the Hockeyroos as they take on New Zealand with Olympic qualification on the line.

Coach Katrina Powell has included nine players with at least 80 caps in her 18-strong Oceania Cup squad to contest a three-game series against the Black Sticks next month.

Five of those have played more than 100 games, with Stephanie Kershaw to join the centurians if she features in all three contests, which take place from August 10-13 in Whangarei.

Powell has successfully experimented in 16 Pro League games this year, the Hockeyroos finishing third overall and rising to No.2 in the world rankings behind the Netherlands.

Across all competitions this year, the Hockeyroos have cycled through 35 players and capped 12 first-timers.

"There is some good experience in there and you do need a level of experience going into important matches like the Oceania Cup and qualifying for the Olympics," Powell said.

"This selection was a really tough task. The level of depth is there ... we have given a lot of players an opportunity this year and plenty of them put their hands up, which made it difficult.

"There are any number of players who could have made this team, so it is pleasing to see how many are currently playing well."

This series is the Hockeyroos' most important of the year, with direct Olympic qualification the prize for the winner.

In 2019, the Hockeyroos lost on goal difference and were forced into a tense two-game play-off with Russia to earn their spot at the Tokyo Games.

The team finished fifth there, continuing a medal drought that stretches back to the most recent of their three golds at Sydney's 2000 Games.

Grace Stewart and Renee Taylor return to the squad after injury ruled them out of the Hockeyroos' recent European tour.

"Considering how many players have played in the team this year and were provided with an opportunity, I'm pleased with not only those outcomes but also with some of the hockey we have put out on the pitch," Powell said.

"That is the test for the Oceania Cup; to have that consistency and putting those strong performances out there when the group is under pressure to perform."

HOCKEYROOS SQUAD

Jocelyn Bartram, Jane Claxton, Claire Colwill, Rebecca Greiner, Stephanie Kershaw, Amy Lawton, Rosie Malone, Kaitlin Nobbs, Brooke Peris, Aleisha Power, Courtney Schonell, Hattie Shand, Karri Somerville, Penny Squibb, Grace Stewart, Tatum Stewart, Renee Taylor, Mariah Williams.

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