Govers is expected to be named as part of a squad of Kookaburra hopefuls to play a three-game series against China at Unanderra Hockey Centre, starting on March 24.

Speaking before last night’s match in Perth between the Kookaburras and Australia A team, the 23-year-old Albion Park junior said it would be a thrill to play an international game at home.

‘‘It’s been a couple of years since I had a run for The Park; I didn’t get back there at all last year,’’ he said.

‘‘Of course I’d love to play for Australia at home with friends and family, so hopefully I’ll be named as part of the squad to come home.

‘‘Every game is one step closer to the Olympic selection, so they’re all important to make sure you’re playing well and doing everything you can out there.’’

The final Australian Olympic squad will be chosen in June, before the London Games begin in July.

Govers is determined to be given a berth in London after missing last year’s Champions Trophy final victory because of injury.

He also missed the 2010 Commonwealth Games campaign as part of the Australian rotational policy.

The Kookaburras and Australia A clash kicked off a series which also involves the Netherlands and Argentina. Half of the squad will then be picked to travel to the Illawarra, with a second group playing a series in Canberra.

The times for the games against China will be finalised this week, with afternoon games likely to be scheduled for March 24 and 25 and a night game expected for Tuesday, March 27.

Illawarra hockey won the rights for the China series after Hockey NSW sought expressions of interest from regional centres.

It comes as Illawarra Hockey completes construction and resurfacing work on facilities at their Unanderra headquarters.

‘‘We’re overjoyed with the opportunity,’’ Illawarra Hockey president Garry Bull said. ‘‘It gives us a chance to showcase our new facilities and the game at an international level in the Illawarra.’’