Selecting eight players with less than ten games of experience, Dancer is using the Dutch series as an opportunity to expose the talent coming through the men's program to senior international hockey.
ÔÇÿWe'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.'
ÔÇÿThe 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.'
ÔÇÿIt'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 - in Canberra and Brisbane from 22 January to 4 February - is not only an opportunity to expose the younger players to international hockey, but also to expose some more experienced players to different roles.
ÔÇÿWe 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, Rob Hammond, 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, Brent Livermore, Michael Boyce, Travis Brooks and Matthew Wells.
The 2007 National Squad has only one change from 2006, goalkeeper Stephen Mowlam taking a year off from hockey - replaced in the squad by Nathan Burgers.
ÔÇÿStephen Mowlam will be taking a year off in 2007 but we're very hopeful he'll be back for Beijing as he's a player who we believe is still reaching his peak and has had a very good year,' said Dancer.
27-year old Queenslander, Nathan Burgers, has been promoted from the Development Squad after impressing selectors at the AHL this year, playing for the Canberra Labor Club Lakers, as well as the recent AIS Tour to Asia, in October.
ÔÇÿI'd like to think that I'll come back in 2008 but I fully understand that I'm essentially giving up my spot and there are plenty of great keepers around that can jump in and fill it, just as I did when I started,' said Mowlam of his decision to take a year off.
The Kookaburras will play four tests against the Netherlands, with two in Canberra on 28 and 29 January, and two in Brisbane on 1 and 3 February.
2007 Dutch Series Team
Canberra
Des Abbott (NT), Kiel Brown (QLD), Nathan Burgers (ACT), Liam De Young (QLD), Luke Doerner (VIC), Jamie Dwyer (QLD), Nathan Eglington (QLD), Russell Ford (VIC), David Guest (TAS), Rob Hammond (QLD), Josh Hawes (ACT) Aaron Hopkins (WA), Mark Knowles (QLD), Eli Matheson (NSW), Michael McCann (NSW), Daniel McPherson (NSW), Matt Naylor (NSW), Eddie Ockenden (TAS), Grant Schubert (SA), Ian Smyth (VIC)
Queensland
Kiel Brown (QLD), Liam De Young (QLD), Luke Doerner (VIC), Jamie Dwyer (QLD), Nathan Eglington (QLD), Troy Elder (QLD), Russell Ford (VIC), David Guest (TAS), Rob Hammond (QLD), Josh Hawes (ACT), Aaron Hopkins (WA), Mark Knowles (QLD), Stephen Lambert (QLD), Eli Matheson (NSW), Daniel McPherson (NSW), Eddie Ockenden (TAS), Grant Schubert (SA), Ian Smyth (VIC)
2006 National Squad
Michael Boyce (WA), Travis Brooks (VIC), Nathan Burgers (AVT), Dean Butler (QLD), Liam De Young (QLD), Luke Doerner (VIC), Jamie Dwyer (QLD), Nathan Eglington (QLD), Troy Elder (QLD), Russell Ford (VIC), Bevan George (WA), David Guest (TAS), Rob Hammond (QLD), Aaron Hopkins (WA), Mark Knowles (QLD), Stephen Lambert (QLD), Brent Livermore (NSW), Michael McCann (NSW), Daniel McPherson (NSW), Matt Naylor (NSW), Eddie Ockenden (TAS), Grant Schubert (SA), Matthew Wells (TAS)
2007 National Development Squad
Des Abbott (NT), Kiel Brown (QLD), Chris Cirello (VIC), Tom Cleghorn (SA), Ben Creese (TAS), Josh Hawes (ACT), Daniel Hotchkis (ACT), Fergus Kavanagh (WA), Eli Matheson (NSW), Greg Reece (TAS), Ian Smyth (VIC), Glen Turner (ACT), Jason Vuletich (WA).
Source: Hockey Australia
