"Incredibly proud", Queensland stars Jake Whetton and Daniel Beale announce retirement

Two of Queensland's greatest midfielders, Jake Whetton and Daniel Beale, have announced their retirement from international hockey, officially bringing down the curtain after 521 collective international matches for the Kookaburras.

Driven by a true love for hockey, Jake forged a career that saw him become the eighth most-capped Kookaburra of all time as he amassed 280 caps and 79 goals for Australia. 

In a 15-year career that started with a debut in 2011 against Malaysia, Jake calls time a triple Olympian, an Olympic silver medallist, a World Cup champion, a double nominee for World's Best Player of the Year and a three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist.

"The ups and downs of international hockey is something I'll cherish for the rest of my life," Jake said.

"There are certainly things that I look back at, and immediately it brings a smile to my face when I start reflecting on it...  It's going to be a big change, but I honestly wouldn't have my career any other way, including the ups and downs over such a long time representing Australia.
        
"I was so very grateful for the opportunity that came my way all those years ago and I tried my hardest to hold on for as long as possible, so I'm really proud of what I achieved, and more so what we achieved as a group."

Fellow Queenslander and midfielder, Daniel earned his Kookaburras call-up two years after Jake's debut, in Ipoh against India. 

It would mark the start of a career that spanned over a decade as he went on to play 241 Internationals for Australia, becoming a two-time Olympian, an Olympic silver medallist and a three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist.

"The goalposts forever change," Daniel reflects.

"As a young kid entering the sport, your dream is to play for the Kookaburras and then you make it and the goal becomes your first tour, your first game and your first major tournament. And then you're dreaming of the Olympics, and before you know it, you've done it and time's up on your career. 

"I'm immensely proud what I've achieved and what we have achieved over the last 12 years."

Daniel's largely injury-free career saw him remain at the top of his game for over a decade, however, his career was almost cut short when he required hip surgery in 2020. 

A 12-month rapid recovery ensured he made it to the start line of his and Jake's second Olympic Games. The COVID delayed Tokyo 2020 (2021) Olympic Games where they would go on to achieve an eventual career highlight.

Collecting an Olympic silver medal, they now reflect on with pride four years on from feeling utter disappointment when they lost to Belgium in a shootout in the gold medal match.

"Although it hurt not to go all the way I look back on that with immense pride," Daniel said. 

"I'm really really proud of that silver medal and what that team was able to do. Coming off COVID, coming off minimal games and to be able to get back in time and be in form after my hip surgery and contribute to the team through tough circumstances to win a silver medal... It's my favourite medal."

"I do look back and remember how hard that was for our group," Jake reflects.

"We had seen how hard it was to win hockey games in Rio at our first Olympics and you know how hard it is to be at your best on that particular day, so the silver medal is certainly growing on me.

"We were so close to the ultimate goal but to be able to say I'm an Olympic medallist is something I'll continue to work towards being prouder of it every time I talk about it."

In the years since, Jake and Daniel have led the Kookaburras through a third Olympic cycle and recently, with their kids and family in the stands watching on. 

"Mum and Dad have been there every step of the way and I certainly wouldn't have lived this dream without their support or my sister! She spent her teenage years with every family holiday dedicated to my hockey," Jake admits. 

"As well as my wife Sam, who has been there for my entire 15-year journey and my son Felix and my daughter Marlee. In fact, the hardest person to tell about my retirement was Felix, who has been joining me at morning training. He loves it as much as I do."

Daniel agrees the silver lining is spending more time with his wife Tahnee and his two young kids, Freddie and eight-month-old Lily. 

"It's certainly a silver lining, being able to spend more time with my family. They sacrifice a lot to be a part of this journey," Daniel added.

"I am grateful and so proud of everything I was able to do. I am sad it's coming to an end, but I look back on it with immense gratitude for the opportunities I was provided and I'm excited for what the future holds."

Two careers spanning over a decade, as they thank the village of support around them. Their friends, family, teammates and coaches, Gryphon Hockey and their respective hockey clubs.