Those in the know pay tribute to Eddie on 400

Ahead of Eddie Ockenden’s 400 game milestone, some of those who have played a significant part in his Kookaburras career have provided an insight into what has made him a once in a lifetime player.

Barry Dancer (Eddie’s first Kookaburras coach)
“Eddie’s potential as a young player was undeniable. His athleticism and broad range of technical skill provided the foundation for becoming a universal player of the modern game and provided the versatility needed for him to contribute so well, in so many different playing roles, over his international career.

It has been very pleasing to be able to observe his hockey career, and his life in general, develop and flourish. The way he has conducted himself, both on and off the field, has contributed significantly to the public image of the Kookaburras, Hockey Australia and our sport.

The consistently high level of his playing performances clearly identified him as one of Australia’s world-class players and I look forward to Eddie continuing to play a significant leading role in the ongoing success of the Kookaburras."

Colin Batch (current Kookaburras coach)
“It’s an incredible effort by Eddie to get to 400. It says a lot about his durability but also the number of different positions he has played…he started as a striker, then a midfielder and now a defender and he has adapted really well to all of those.
 
The way he has prepared himself mentally and physically to not have too many injuries is testament to that. He has great support from his family and those who are close to him and those back in Tasmania.
 
But what else I think we need to acknowledge is what Eddie gives to the group. He’s not out there yelling, but he goes around and talks to players individually and is a real driver in that area.”
 
Matt Wells (former Kookaburras teammate and fellow Tasmanian)
“I don’t think anyone else will get to 400…I’d be very surprised if they do. This is an amazing achievement. From the day Ed played his first Australian Hockey League game, I remember being one of the senior players and was probably pretty tough on him when he first came in and didn’t hold back.
 
I’ve known Ed since he was a 17 year old, but knowing his ability from that first game he played and what he possessed and watching him grow and develop and be a teammate of his…even now watching the past 10 years how he has grown….he keeps getting better with age.
 
One of the things that has worked in his favour is he’s never been injured. That carries a lot of weight of why he can still play at this level. But also his versatility, he can play on any line…he’s a quiet achiever and a natural leader.
 
He’s not a big voice and doesn’t put himself out there….he just leads by example on the field. He loves the game and we love him. He’s great to watch, has the ball on a string and has good people around him. I don’t see him stopping at 400…if you’re feeling good, playing well and keeping up with the game, there’s no reason why he can’t continue. He’ll know when the time is right to pull the pin so I expect him to be at the next Olympics.”

Mark Knowles (former Kookaburras teammate)
“Ed made his debut in 2006 in Malaysia…I remember the tournament and we played together at the Junior World Cup in 2005. Reaching 400 matches…the first Australian to do it is an amazing achievement.
 
I think what sets Ed apart from others that I’ve seen or played with would be his ability to stay injury free. Absolute silky with ball skills and probably a knowledge, understanding and love of the game that not many others have. I think that’s allowed him to play for so long.

He’s an amazing teammate…quiet but highly respected and is one of the best players I have ever played with.”

Aran Zalewski (Kookaburras co-captain with Eddie)
“When I came into the Kookaburras, Ed was already established so we’ve been able to spend a lot of time and play a lot of games together which has been really special.

Apart from how talented and technical he is, something I noticed straight away about Ed was how team first he was and always has been. He is always willing to put the team first and that’s something I admire about him.

Coming through with Ed, sharing a leadership role and being able to co-captain with him has been a privilege. Something he does really well is how he works with people and he has a really caring nature. He is able to get the best out of people by spending time with them.

We have had different leadership styles but have been able to make them work together and never interfere with each other. Ed and I have a pretty strong relationship but we never necessarily had to clash about things. We could challenge each other but we always had the team’s best in mind.

I have only played half as many games as Ed so it’s unreal that he’s about to play 400. He has always been able to find love and joy in the game and keep that lighthearted side. To have such a long career and stay motivated, he has been able to find that joy and love for hockey.

He talks about loving going to training, competing and going on tour…that’s very much why Ed has been able to pay for such a long time. He has been able to continue that love and joy of playing hockey from when you are a kid right through his career and still now, which is incredible.

He is well respected around the world through the way he plays and the humility with the way he goes about it. He is a fierce competitor but does it in a humble way that makes him admired everywhere.”

Watch the Kookaburras' 5-match series against India LIVE on FOX Sports and Kayo. Every match will also be livestreamed on LIVEHockey.

Kookaburras v India Series
MATE Stadium, Adelaide
Match 1 - Saturday 26 November (4.00pm local time, 4.30pm AEDT)
Match 2 - Sunday 27 November (4.00pm local time, 4.30pm AEDT)
Match 3 - Wednesday 30 November (6.30pm local time, 7.00pm AEDT)
Match 4 - Saturday 3 December (4.00pm local time, 4.30pm AEDT)
Match 5 - Sunday 4 December (4.00pm local time, 4.30pm AEDT)