Hawkes concerned about fall in standards of women’s hockey in Australia

S.THYAGARAJAN

Rechelle Hawkes is a name to conjure with in Aussie hockey. A celebrated star, worthy of iconic status when she led the team for eight years, is here in a new role – as an expert commentator for FOXTEL.

With three Olympic Gold medals (1988, 1996, and 2000) and two in the World Cups, apart from the title triumph in the 1998 Commonwealth Games, Rechelle’s wealth of experience needs no exaggeration.

Rechelle is concerned over the downslide of the national team, now behind England in world rankings after the World Cup in Rosario. She believes that mass retirement of players has generated a mood of despondency.

“We need stars like Lucina Aymar when asked to spell out the measures to rediscover the Aussie ethos. She does not want to take over as the coach when Frank Murray, the current incumbent, is set to call it a day this year.

“I do a bit of coaching though, with Victoria Park HC in Perth.” Her professional work as a consultant permits little time to devote enough time to devote to coaching. “I have to be with my child too,” she added.

Rechelle reckons England stands the best chance this time but the Aussies have “got it in them” to come out again on top under the guidance of Frank Murray.