Australian national coach, Barry Dancer, has cast a wide net for the four-test series against Netherlands starting on Sunday, with four players to make their international debut in the series.
Selecting eight players with less than ten games of experience, Dancer is using the Dutch series, two games in Canberra (28 and 29 January) and two games in Brisbane (1 and 3 February) as an opportunity to expose the talent coming through the men's program to senior international hockey.
"We're starting a new cycle after the World Cup which will see us exploring different opportunities and possibilities with our eye on Beijing in two years."
"The Dutch series gives us an opportunity to introduce some new players, with Nathan Burgers, Kiel Brown, Ian Smyth and Des Abbott all making their debuts, while Eli Matheson and Josh Hawes will be re-introduced after performing well in the AIS tour to Asia in October."
"It's an exciting time for these younger players and we're looking for a number of them to step up and benefit from the experience, have a strong national league and see them really come through and push for spots in 2007 and 2008 in Beijing."
For Dancer and his selection group, the four test series is not only an opportunity to expose the younger players to international hockey, but also to expose some more experienced players to different roles.
"We are widening the net and exploring new opportunities, including trying players in new positions as well as increasing the depth of our leadership group. It's about having a variety of options, and not being limited. For the Dutch series Mark Knowles, Jamie Dwyer, Michael McCann and Troy Elder will all be given opportunities as co-captains of the side."
Rested from the series, after an incredibly long 2006 year, and to recover from injuries, will be 2007 National Squad members Bevan George, Dean Butler, Rob Hammond, Michael Boyce, Travis Brooks and Matthew Wells.
The Kookaburras will play the Netherlands in Canberra on Sunday at 5pm and Monday at 7pm then fly to Brisbane for their matches on the 1st and 3rd of February with both matches starting at 7pm.
