Just nine months after contemplating giving up the sport of hockey with a career-threatening hip injury, the 22-year-old has a World Cup gold medal to his name.

"In July last year I was on the operating table for my second major hip operation," he said.

"I almost pulled the pin."

Govers' determination was rewarded in India earlier this month, playing in every match of the Kookaburras' World Cup winning campaign.

The boy from Keiraville etched his name into Australian hockey history books, helping the Kookaburras to their first World Cup title since 1986 with a 2-1 win over Germany in the decider.

"I'm still riding the wave," he said.

"To play for the Kookaburras has been a goal of mine all my life."

Govers made his international debut in January, heading into the World Cup in New Delhi with just five caps under his belt.

But after impressing coach Ric Charlesworth in the opening pool games, the midfielder cemented his spot in the team for the business end of the tournament.

"Being the new boy in the team I was just happy to be on that plane," he said.

"Some people can play 300 caps their whole career and not win a gold medal but I've only played 12 international caps and I've already got a gold medal under my belt."

The Kookaburras spent their time in the subcontinent either on the field or in the safety of their motel, with strict security measures forcing the national side indoors for three weeks.

Despite more than 1600 armed security officers on patrol during the world cup, the Kookaburras were only allowed out of their motel on match day and for training sessions.

"All the teams stayed in this motel and we had a level to ourselves," Govers said.

"It was a bit boring and it took its toll on us in the end.

"But I guess the good thing was that it kept our minds focused on the job."

Govers, who moved to Perth in January on an Australian Institute of Sport scholarship, is hoping to ensure his position in the team as preparations intensify in the lead-up to London 2012.

"At the moment I want to play every tournament there is," he said.

"But the Olympics is a focus of mine and a focus for the Australian team."

Success at the London Games will secure Australia's second Olympic gold medal in more than 50 years, the first coming in Athens at the 2004 games.