Kookaburras coach Ric Charlesworth has unveiled the squad that will compete at the London VISA International Invitational Hockey Tournament on May 2-6, 100 days out from the Olympics.
A core group of players, including five time world player of the year, Jamie Dwyer, will travel to Europe but will only play select matches to ensure their work load is managed.
"This tour is another opportunity to explore our form and our opponents,'' Charlesworth said.
"It continues to be difficult to select teams as all players in the squad remain in contention to play at the Olympics."
This tour is a chance for players to further press for Olympic selection and Luke Doerner, Liam De Young and Jason Wilson, who are returning from injury, will be keen to impress.
The VISA International Invitational Hockey Tournament will be played at Olympic Park and will give the athletes their first look at the Olympic blue pitch where life long dreams could be realised.
"It's an important opportunity, hopefully it will be similar to the pitch we've been training on but we won't know until we get there," Charlesworth said.
Team selected: London Test
Nathan Burgers (QLD) Joel Carroll (NT) Luke Doerner (TAS) Fergus Kavanagh (WA) Liam De Young (QLD) Chris Ciriello (VIC) Jonathon Charlesworth (WA) Tim Deavin (TAS) Matthew Butturini (NSW) Mark Knowles (QLD) Glenn Simpson (VIC) Rob Hammond (QLD) Eddie Ockenden (TAS) Simon Orchard (NSW) Kieran Govers (NSW) Jason Wilson (QLD) Matt Gohdes (QLD) Russell Ford (VIC)
Players included for the European Tour -Test Matches against Belgium and Germany
Des Abbott(NT) Graeme Begbie(WA) Andrew Charter(ACT) Jamie Dwyer(QLD) Matthew Swann(QLD) Glenn Turner(ACT)
Kookaburras Have 100 Sleeps To Find Sponsor
Today marks 100 days until the 2012 London Olympic Games and the world number one men's hockey team does not have a major sponsor.
It is an exciting time for the Kookaburras but it is disappointing to see the benchmark in international hockey not supported.
The Kookaburras have joined forces with the Australian Olympic Committee to celebrate the 100 day milestone, which is another significant step on their journey towards London.
Hockey Australia Chief Executive Mark Anderson said It was an exciting time for the athletes as they prepare for the London Test Event with 100 days to go until the Olympics.
"The Kookaburras are recognised globally as the best team in the world but there is still a lot of work to be done leading up to London and there is certainly no guarantees once the tournament begins as every team strives for the ultimate prize," he said.
"They have done everything possible to prepare for success. Attaining a sponsor for the group would provide a great vote of support from the Australian business community for a team that has won an unprecedented four consecutive Champions Trophy titles.
"We were delighted to announce last month that the Hockeyroos are now backed by a large Australian company, Ausdrill. It would be tremendous to see the Kookaburras similarly supported in their quest for success.”
Source: Hockey Australia Media Release
