Tickets for Paris will be on the line when a full-strength Hockeyroos squad head to Europe for the last set of matches before the 2024 Olympics.
Hockeyroos coach Katrina Powell will take a squad of 22 for the final leg of season five of the FIH Pro League in Antwerp and London.
The Australian women’s hockey team sit fourth on the standings with a 4-4 record, just behind Argentina (4-1-3) and China (5-3).
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The Netherlands (12-0) are the runaway leaders.
While snaring a medal in the FIH Pro League would be nice for the Hockeyroos, the big focus is on the Olympics.
And with only 16 spots up for grabs for Paris (plus three travelling reserves), competition is set to be fierce within the Hockeyroos’ 22-player squad at the FIH Pro League.
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The Hockeyroos’ Olympic squad will officially be announced on July 1, with the team flying out on July 17.
“It’s certainly great to travel with the whole squad and provide them with, I suppose, their last-minute opportunity before Olympic selection,” Powell said.
“But also it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to play against a couple of teams that we will face at the Paris Olympics as well.”
The Hockeyroos have been boosted by the return of star defender Penny Squibb from injury.
“It’s really great to see her back. Penny’s been working really, really hard and she’s looking really good at training,” Powell said.
Tatum Stewart and Grace Stewart also return to the line-up after both were sidelined from the Perth International Festival of Hockey due to injury.
“The past few months have been a pretty hard rehab,” said Tatum, who has recovered from her torn meniscus.
“I’m really excited to be back with the group and back on the turf playing.
“And especially to have Penny right next to me at the back, we’ve been rehabbing together and I’m really looking forward to playing with her again.
“Obviously (the FIH Pro League) is important for your individual selection.
“But we can’t get the job done in Paris if everybody doesn’t do their best every moment each day, so that’s all we’re trying to do now – just focus on the present and then selection will be what it will be.”
Squibb is just two matches away from bringing up her 50th cap for the Hockeyroos.
The dynamic trio of Mackay’s Claire Colwill, WA’s Karri Somerville and Naracoote’s Hattie Shand are also in line to bring up 50 internationals for Australia.
Powell said having another four players reach 50 caps was a significant milestone for the group.
“I think once you hit 50 you’re not a ‘newbie’ anymore,” Powell said.
The Hockeyroos face Belgium in Antwerp on May 29, before taking on Argentina, Great Britain and Germany.