‘Fetus’ by his Aussie team-mates, Jamie Dwyer who has won every tournament at the highest level, left India after finishing fourth with his HHIL side, Jaypee Punjab Warriors. But Jamie, who is being managed by the former Australian cricketer Stuart McGill, enjoyed the month-long tournament in India. In an exclusive chat www.stick2hockey.com, man of a few words but many goals, Jamie throws some light into his perspective of HHIL.

S2h: Playing in India is not a new thing for you. How was HHIL experience different from the previous ones?

Jamie Dwyer: It was a great experience. I had lots of fun on and off the field. Unfortunately we didn’t come in the top 3 but I still enjoyed myself. This experience was a little different to the rest because we got to mingle with players from different countries

S2h: Hockey has hardly seen such type of money at club level. How confident are you that the money factor would attract more talent in the game?

JD I’m sure that the money coming into the sport will attract younger players to our game. It’s great to see that sport on TV and to see people enjoying a good game of hockey

S2h: : How different in HHIL from the Australian league?

JD: : It’s different because the AHL has only Australian players in it and the HHIL is like you are on the world stage.

S2h: What more can be done to improve the HHIL?

JD: One more team would be good next year and maybe 8 teams the year after. Also, I would like them to try having another 2 umpires, just to umpire in the circle.

S2h: : Many Australian players participated in the HHIL, but many of them could not perform according to their reputation. What is the reason according to you?

JD: Depends which players you are talking about. It will be interesting to see how the top Australian team goes against India next time we play.

S2h: : How would you rate your own and Jaypee Punjab Warriors form in the HHIL?

JD: I always want to play better. I thought I played well some games and not so well other games. As a team we were inconsistent and we rotated more than any other team. There are a few things I learnt this year that I will be better prepared for next year.