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Smith excited by young Hockeyroos

With 130 caps to her name, Emily Smith is one of the Hockeyroos' experienced players (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Roar Guru
5th December, 2015
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The Hockeyroos are set to open their World League Finals campaign tomorrow morning in Rosario, Argentina and key forward star Emily Smith has spoken to The Roar about the hard work that has gone into preparing for the tournament.

“We have been training extremely hard all year. This tournament is a chance for us to transfer all the hard work and skills from training into the games. We have performed well in the practice matches so very excited to get the tournament under way,” said Smith.

The Hockeyroos have selected some young players to give them exposure to the World Stage with a massive 12 months ahead including possible 2016 Olympic Games selection and Smith reckons the young players will stand up and show the world what they can do.

“The new players have provided an exciting spark in the team. They have all been training well and they all thoroughly deserve their opportunities. I am confident they will do their country proud. They are fast, skillful and aggressive.” Smith told The Roar.

Smith started playing hockey as a five year old in Crookwell NSW following the lead of her parents and older sister, she played as much hockey as possible as a junior and that’s when she discovered her passion for the game which strongly still exists today.

At just 23 years of age and with 130 caps representing the Hockeyroos she has become a key player and an important leader to her less-experienced teammates.

Smith made her debut for the Hockeyroos in October 2011 at just 19 years old in the Oceania Cup in Hobart, and was able to make the London Olympic Hockeyroos squad for the 2012 games.

She quickly made herself at home playing for the National team and had her best year in 2014, which she rates as a career highlight to date.

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“2014 was a very memorable year for both the Hockeyroos and myself. We won Commonwealth Games gold in shootouts vs GB. We made it to the World Cup final against Holland, playing in front of thousands of Dutch supporters. The atmosphere was electric. We won silver at the Champions Trophy in Argentina. I also won gold at the Australian Hockey League with the NSW Arrows. All in all, a great year.”

On her return to Australia after the 2014 World Cup she received a heroes welcome back home in Crookwell along with teammate Kellie White.

“The Crookwell community has always been very supportive of both Kellie and myself so the fact they organised a parade did not surprise me. However, the amount of people who turned up on the day was amazing. It will be a day I will cherish forever,” said Smith.

Smith is under no illusions what the team faces over the next eight days as they strive to win the tournament.

“All matches at the tournament are going to be tough but we are confident that if we play to our potential we can get the results. The round games are very important. We need to do well to ensure we give ourselves the best chance in the knockout quarter-finals and semi-finals.”

Hockeyroos’ fixtures at World League Final
Sunday 6 December – 8:45 am: Hockeyroos vs China (Pool B)
Monday 7 December – 11:00 am: Hockeyroos vs Argentina (Pool B)
Wednesday 9 December – 4:15 am: Hockeyroos vs Great Britain (Pool B)
Friday 11 December – TBC: Quarter-final
Sunday 13 December – TBC: Semi-final / 5-8 playoffs
Monday 14 December – TBC: Medal matches
*All times AEDT

Below is a complete transcript of Emily Smith’s interview with The Roar:

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Emily you have played 130 games for the Hockeyroos leading into this tournament which is a great achievement, can you talk us through some of your career highlights to date?

ES: 2014 was a very memorable year for both the Hockeyroos and myself. We won Commonwealth Games gold in shootouts vs GB. We made it to the World Cup final against Holland, playing in front of thousands of Dutch supporters. The atmosphere was electric. We won silver at the Champions Trophy in Argentina. I also won gold at the Australian Hockey League with the NSW Arrows. All in all, a great year.

You went to South Africa with sporting opportunities, care to share your experiences?

ES: I was called up late to replace an injured player. It was my first overseas trip so I was very nervous and excited. It was a great trip with lots of sight seeing and matches against the South African junior team. It ignited my love for travel and hockey.

When you came back from the 2014 World Cup, what did you think of the reception you received from your hometown Crookwell?

ES: The Crookwell community has always been very supportive of both Kellie and myself so the fact they organised a parade did not surprise me. However, the amount of people who turned up on the day was amazing. It will be a day I will cherish forever.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming matches of pool B firstly against China, then Argentina and Great Britain?

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ES: All matches at the tournament are going to be tough but we are confident that if we play to our potential we can get the results. The round games are very important. We need to do well to ensure we give ourselves the best chance in the knockout quarter-finals and semi-finals.

What are your thoughts on some of your less experienced team mates, who have been training really well and who do you think could make an impact during world league?

ES: The new players have provided an exciting spark in the team. They have all been training well and they all thoroughly deserve their opportunities. I am confident they will do their country proud. They are fast, skillful and aggressive.

What’s the feeling among the girls heading into the tournament?

ES: We have been training extremely hard all year. This tournament is a chance for us to transfer all the hard work and skills from training into the games. We have performed well in the practice matches so very excited to get the tournament under way.

How did it all start for you in regards to hockey and how did it become such a big part of your life?

ES: I played ‘Hook into Hockey’ as a 5 year old. My parents and older sister played hockey so I just followed their lead. Right from the start I loved the game, I played as much hockey as I could as a junior and this passion for the game still exists today.

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With the 2016 Olympics coming up fast I’m sure you and your team mates are really excited for the next 12 months?

ES: Although excited, we are aware that in the Olympic year we will be pushed to our limits, be seeking continual improvements and extreme commitment. We are excited for the challenge and it makes it easier when you know the whole squad is pushing for the same dream, to win an Olympic gold medal.

What are your tips for any young kids dreaming of representing their country in their chosen sport? What advice would you give them?

ES: Hard work will get you further than just pure skill. Learn to appreciate the small accomplishments during your journey to achieving your overall goal – this will maintain motivation.

After the world league finals will you get some time off over the holidays?

ES: I will be heading home to Crookwell to spend Christmas with my family. Although there will be down time, it is also a time to work very hard on our individual weaknesses. This will ensure the team returns to training in the New Year prepared for the year ahead.

What do you like to do with yourself outside of Hockey?

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ES: Rest and recovery! I enjoy taking my dog Leo to the beach.

You can show your support the Hockeyroos in their quest for World League Finals glory on social media using these hashtags: #Roovolution #HWL2015 and #MakeYourMark.

Please feel free to leave your comments below and follow me on Twitter: @jased1973.

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