Unbeatable Hockeyroos triumph, Kookaburras buoyant after nail-biting defeat
Published Sun 09 Feb 2025
The Hockeyroos are one win away from achieving a clean sweep to start 2025, after another dominant 3-1 win over Spain.
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Motivated by a roaring home crowd at Sydney Olympic Park, the Hockeyroos set out to continue their unbeaten run against a powerful Spanish side in their last outing at the FIH Pro League down under.
Spain conceded their final match against the Aussies would be tough, 24 hours after a gruelling 2-3 loss to China, but they showed up committed to matching the Hockeyroos intensity.
Yet the advantage would fall the way of Australia after Jade Smith's deft touch opened the scoring in just her third international match.
The goal continues a sensational call up for the Queensland striker, who scored in a similar fashion on debut against Spain on Wednesday.
"It feels amazing. I really didn't think I could achieve this dream, it's just been such a journey to get here, but here I am, wearing green and gold, and I'm Hockeyroo #525. It's just insane," Jade exclaimed.
"Scoring on debut, and again tonight, has been unreal. I've had the legacy and the strength of [recently retired Queenslander] Renee Taylor, number 22, on my back... the goals have all been coming from the work at the back, I'm just blessed to tap them in!"
Spain answered straight back four minutes later through Sofia Rogoski, but Jade's influence would shine again in the third quarter, winning a penalty corner before Tasmanian Maddi Brooks ensured the Hockeyroos would take back the lead.
As the crowd continued to cheer and rain poured down overhead, Claire Colwill, in her first match as Hockeyroos captain, ensured Grace Young would get a ball that would put Australia two goals ahead.
"It was an exhausting match!" Claire Colwill said post-match.
"There was a lot of heat and intensity out there, and the girls were a bit gassed, but we managed to play it out and play to our strengths, and we managed to defend really nicely, so we're really proud of that."
"Getting the opportunity to captain your country isn't an opportunity you get often. It's a privilege to take on this role, and it's overwhelming and exciting all at once. I'm looking forward to seeing where the future goes in this area, and for now, I'm going to do what I can to help the Hockeyroos stay unbeaten."
The Kookaburras had a packed Sydney Olympic Park on the edge of their seats in a nail-biting clash against Spain that ended in a shootout after a one-all draw.
It was the first international shootout for Kookaburras goalkeeper Mitchell Nicholson and two of the three players who stepped up to take on Spain's goalie Luis Calzado.
But the Spaniard would put on a masterclass to keep a clean sheet and secure the win for his side.
The Kookaburras welcomed back experienced stars Jeremy Hayward and Nathan Ephraums following their India Hockey League seasons, but it would be local hero Ky Willott who would star again, scoring his third goal in as many matches in Sydney.
His incredible diving slap, off a great pass by Victorian Craig Marais, equalised the scores at one-all after Spain took the lead just moments earlier.
"It was a tough game! We would've liked to get the victory there, but we played a really exciting brand of hockey once again. Our defence and our counter-control has been up to scratch and world-class, and we're going to keep bringing that," Ky said.
"We're playing with no fear, and we're playing a real attacking brand of hockey with freedom; that's what's been brought on us so far at these first four Pro League matches. It's really exciting at the moment."
"Tonight has been unreal, and I think this is the biggest crowd I've seen at Sydney Olympic Park. When I'm out there, every turn I make, I see someone I know. It's awesome."
The Hockeyroos and Kookaburras face a swift turnaround before taking on China and the Netherlands on the last day of action tomorrow.
The Hockeyroos beat the Olympic silver medallists China in a tense shootout on Thursday, while the Kookaburras will be hunting a repeat of their emphatic 4-2 win over the Olympic champions.
