The Hockeyroos have jumped to within three points of top spot on the FIH Pro League standings with an impressive 2-0 defeat of defending champions Argentina in front of a passionate home crowd in Hobart.
A first international goal from 19-year-old Hannah Cullum-Sanders in the 2nd minute set the tone for the Hockeyroos on a night when Abby Wilson and hometown favourite Maddison Brooks made their debuts.
The Hockeyroos thought they had doubled their advantage before quarter time when Amy Lawton had an effort disallowed.
But the home side did not need to wait long with Renee Taylor flicking truly above the goalkeeper’s right shoulder to make it 2-0 after 18 minutes.
The Hockeyroos would next be denied with consecutive penalty corner efforts by the video referee on review, with Grace Young and Grace Stewart both luckless.
Their fortune sparked Argentina to lift to another gear and apply pressure on the Hockeyroos goal.
Goalkeeper Aleisha Power was superb in goal, duly supported by saves on the goal line from Taylor and Player of the Match Penny Squibb to maintain the Hockeyroos’ two goal buffer at the main break.
The world number two ranked visitors continued to press forward in waves chasing a way back into the match, but Power was impenetrable to deny all eight opposition set pieces and keep a clean sheet.
The home crowd were nearly brought to their feet in the final quarter as 18-year-old Brooks almost turned home a waist-high cross from Stewart, before the home side closed out an important victory.
“It’s always such a privilege to walk out with people playing their first game, or even their 100th or 200th, so it was really special, especially Maddi Brooks in her home state,” said Power.
“It was really cool to be a part of it and Abby Wilson almost scored a goal on debut, so there was a lot of good vibes out there.”
On a personal level, Power was stoked to register a clean sheet after returning from injury.
“I was really excited to get out there. It was my first Pro League game and there was a bit of energy out there with the girls and I was excited to be a part of it.”
“I’ve had a few niggles, I did my hamstring, so there has been a lot of rehabbing and getting fit again, but I feel very comfortable and like I’m on the same level that I was last year and was ready to go.”
The Hockeyroos will back up tomorrow to take on the USA at 5pm AEDT.
Match Details
Hockeyroos 2 (Cullum-Sanders 2’, Taylor 18’)
Argentina 0
@ Tasmanian Hockey Centre
Hockeyroos: 1.Claire Colwill, 4.Amy Lawton, 5.Grace Young, 6.Penny Squibb, 7.Aleisha Power (gk), 8.Georgia Wilson, 9.Shanea Tonkin, 11.Meg Pearce, 13.Hattie Shand, 21.Renee Taylor, 24.Mariah Williams, 28.Hannah Cullum-Sanders, 29.Rebecca Greiner, 30.Grace Stewart, 35.Maddison Brooks, 44.Abby Wilson
Unused substitutes: 12.Greta Hayes, 41.Zoe Newman (gk)
Hockey Australia
