Skirving named Australian player of the year for 2005

Angie Skirving was named the Australian women's player of year for 2005 at a ceremony following the final of the Australia Hockey League today.

The 161-match defender enjoyed an excellent year as the Hockeyroos compiled an impressive record, including a silver medal at the Samsung Hockey Champions Trophy in Canberra, gold in the Indira Ghandi Gold Cup in New Dehli, and series wins against USA, Canada, Korea and New Zealand.

The 25-year-old's drag flicking from penalty corners also gave her the top goal scorer award for 2005, with her improved conversion from the set piece likely to be an influential component of Australia's 2006 campaign at the Rabo Hockey Champions Trophy (Amsterdam, July) and the Samsung Hockey World Cup (Madrid, September/October).

In the final of the Australian Hockey League, the SmokeFree WA Diamonds scored three goals in four minutes late in the match to overcome the Queensland Scorchers 4-2 and win their second AHL title in three years.

In other awards presented, Kobie MrGurk won the Australian under 21 player of the year and Julie Ashton-Lucy took out the official of the year award.