Troy Elder has announced his retirement from international hockey, going out on a high after the Kookaburras won the four-test series against the Netherlands.
The 30 year old Queenslander ends his international career on 169 caps and 104 goals and will now concentrate his efforts on winning back-to-back AHL championships with the Queensland Blades.
"I really wanted to finish on a high," said Elder.
"After the disappointment of the World Cup in Germany, winning this series and going out while still on top seemed the perfect way to retire, in front of my family and the people I love, the people I couldn't have done it without."
"There's a lot of talent coming through so now it's time to give them an opportunity leading into the Beijing Olympics."
"I couldn't be any prouder of my career. I've had some great times and made some great mates that I've spent a lot of time with. I'm proud of what I've achieved but very proud of what this group of players have achieved, we've taken hockey to another level."
A member of the drought breaking Kookaburras team that won Olympic Gold, Elder will leave a hole in the midfield with the loss of his pace and skill, as well as his penalty corner drag flicking.
Source: Hockey Australia
