Athens Star Sets Fresh Challenges

The Sunday Age

Sunday February 27, 2005

CLAIRE MITCHELL-TAVERNER

THE KOOKABURRAS had two standouts in the Olympic final in Athens: Jamie Dwyer, the tournament's top goalscorer who claimed official hero status with his golden goal in the second period of extra time, and, at the other end of the pitch, lesser-known Victorian goalkeeper Stephen Mowlam, who played the game of his life to help the Kookaburras realise their dream.

This time last year, Mowlam was a distant third in line for the two goalkeeping positions in the Olympic squad. He rated himself only a slight chance of being selected - let alone of being the keeper of choice for the Olympic final - but turned it on in the Australian Hockey League in 2004 and was the first goalkeeper ever to be named player of the year.

In Melbourne today, Mowlam and fellow gold medallist Travis Brooks take the field for the Victorian Vikings in the opening round of the Australian Hockey League against likely top-four finisher, the New South Wales Waratahs.

Looking back on the past 12 months, Mowlam said: "It has been pretty amazing, maybe because I wasn't expected to make the team and then to be No. 1 goalkeeper and winning a gold medal. But to be honest, I'm pretty much ready for the next challenge and achieving again - hopefully making the Commonwealth Games team, the World Cup and Beijing."

However, for every sporting dream fulfilled, there are countless disappointments. Two other Victorians, Andrew Smith and Ngaire Smith, narrowly missed making their Olympic debuts in Athens.

Andrew Smith was dropped at the 11th hour and recent hip surgery means he was unable to press for national selection with the Vikings this weekend. "He's a big loss for us, but it's a good opportunity for the younger guys," said Mowlam, adding that Daniel Mirecki, Chris Ciriello, Ian Smyth and Glenn Simpson were exciting young players the Vikings would be hoping will impress.

Ngaire Smith, who was unlucky to be cut from the women's squad for Athens and contemplated giving up her Olympic dream, will line up with the Victorian Vipers today against the NSW Arrows. She has her sights set on a Commonwealth Games berth.

Claire Mitchell-Taverner is a former Hockeyroo and Olympic gold medallist.

NHL ROUND ONE

LAST NIGHT

Vic Vipers v NSW Arrows

Vic Vikings v NSW Waratahs

TODAY

WOMEN (2pm): Vic Vipers v NSW Arrows

MEN (4pm): Vic Vikings v NSW Waratahs

* All games at State Hockey Centre in Parkville

© 2005 The Sunday Age

Back to News Index | Back to Home