Mark Knowles has been a key member of the Kookaburra’s squad for 11 years. During that time he picked up Olympic Gold in 2004, two Champions Trophy gold medals and, of course, he lifted the World Cup in the Hague as Captain of the victorious Australian squad. Among his personal honours, Mark was awarded the World Young Player of the Year in 2007, has been part of the FIH All-Stars team in 2007 and 2009, and now he has been voted by his peers, coaches and fans as the 2014 FIH Player of the Year. He is also universally recognised among his team-mates and opponents as a ‘really great guy.’
How do you feel after being voted 2014 Player of the Year
MK: It’s an unbelievable honour. I've been playing international hockey for 10 years and have always tried to improve my game and be a role model for teammates and the sport. This award shows me that hard work and persistence pays off.
In a year that has seen great success for Australia, what has been your personal highlight?
MK: The World Cup without a doubt. We worked so hard as a team after our disappointment in London (Australia won bronze at the 2012 Olympics). I was so proud of our team and pleased with how well I could contribute as a leader
What do you think has contributed to your success this year? Has it been increased training, different pressures…
MK: For me it was the level of consistency I was able to play at. My basics and positioning have been a focus for me, with help from coaching staff and this gave me confidence for the rest of my game. Having the ball on my stick allowed me to expand in other areas.
How has the team around you helped your personal performances?
MK: The team means everything to me. We do nothing alone. The level our team played at throughout 2014 is the main reason I believe I have won this award. If the team plays well, individual awards can happen. The way our Kookaburras boys set goals of winning World Cup pushed us all to work harder and push each other every day.
What is it about the Australian approach that keeps you at the top so consistently?
MK: Our work ethic is very important but also the mantra that ‘good is never good enough’. Our coaching staff were major drivers in this philosophy but it's the players that have to buy into the approach and we have done this. For me personally it's about learning and improving from past disappointments also. I think of mistakes in the Olympic semi-finals of 2008 and 2012 every day and my focus is to work hard and improve so those days don't happen again
What next for you?
MK: It’s all about looking at ways to improve my game and particularly my leadership style. We all have to evolve and be better. The Rio 2016 Olympics is where I want to be at my best. I have a young family and I feel this affords me a balance in my life I didn't have previously. They are amazing supporters and I want to share more success with my teammates but also for my family for so many years of support.
