HOCKEY
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A week after hoisting the World Cup crown in front of 15,000 fans in The Hague, Wollongong-born Kookaburra Kieran Govers will return to the venue where it all began.
In a rare visit to his junior club, the 26-year-old will suit up for Albion Park at Croome Road when the defending champions meet Robertson on Sunday. It comes just days after the striker played a starring role in Australia's World Cup title defence in the Netherlands.
The Kookaburras defeated the host nation 6-1 in an emphatic decider at Kyocera Stadium.
"Fifteen thousand people cheering for them and a couple for us and we still got the job done. It was unbelievable playing in front of that crowd," Govers said.
"They know their hockey and that is what is so good about it."
Govers only returned to the country on Tuesday and is set to hit the road again on Sunday evening after his hit-out with Park, as he awaits possible selection to a maiden Commonwealth Games.
He missed selection for the Games in Delhi four years ago, but a strong performance at the World Cup should hold him in good stead to earn redemption.
"I am pretty pleased with my performance and happy to keep going. Come Monday hopefully I am in that Commonwealth Games team," Govers said.
"I missed out last Commonwealth Games because I wasn't playing good enough hockey, but this time the times have changed."
While Govers hopes to be on the plane to Scotland later this year, he won't be joined by long-time mentor Ric Charlesworth.
The legendary coach fast-tracked plans to step down and retired from the coaching game on Thursday.
"We still thought he was going to Glasgow but he dropped the bombshell [on Thursday]," Govers said.
"It was fitting to send him off like we did and I think he was quite happy with that."
Govers credited Charlesworth with helping revive his playing career after a hip injury looked like it would cripple it before it could take off.
"He has been really happy with how I have handled myself through injuries and how mature I have taken that," he said.
"You have to thank him because he gave me my lifeline to actually play."