HOCKEY
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Just weeks after making his international debut, Woonona’s Flynn Ogilvie has earned selection in the Kookaburras Champions Trophy squad alongside fellow Illawarra talent Tristan White.
The 21-year-old was named as part of a youthful 18-man Australian squad bound for India early next month to defend the Kookaburras’ Champions Trophy title.
The absence of Wollongong-star Kieran Govers and several other high-profile names, paved the way for Ogilvie to secure a spot at his first major senior tournament.
He made his debut earlier this month when he played in all four of Australia’s tests against India, in a series the Kookaburras’ lost 3-1.
He admits the Champions Trophy will be another step up.
‘‘It was unexpected. I thought coming out here I might get a couple of games in that Indian series but I wasn’t really expecting to go to Champions Trophy,’’ Ogilvie said.
‘‘I was coming here for the experience. Now being named it is pretty exciting. Hopefully I will play well in this tournament and there is more to come.
Ogilvie is among several young players selected in the squad which will also be without five time Player of the Year Jamie Dwyer and captain Mark Knowles through injury.
But the rising star is confident the youthful squad can give a good account of themselves.
‘‘We have a pretty young team, with a few injuries to senior key players, so maybe expectations aren’t as high but still the Kookaburras are a pretty big team in the world so we will be hoping to win it,’’ Ogilvie said.
‘‘Personally, I want to play well and get involved as much as I can. As a young guy coming in, I want to show that I can play my best hockey against the best in the world.’’
Ogilvie is joined by Commonwealth Games gold medallist and University teammate Tristan White in the squad and has spent the bulk of the past two months in Perth training with the Kookaburras.
‘‘It is good to have [Tristan] over here. He is someone I know really well and I can always chat to him. He has helped me come into the group,’’ Ogilvie said.
‘‘It is very good to have someone you know.’’
Australia start their campaign against England on December 6 at Bhubaneswar.