European tour inspires Tasmania’s rising stars

EMERGING Tasmanian hockey stars Kurt Mac key and Jack Welch have returned from a gruelling tour of Europe with the Australian Development squad.

The pair played against under-21 national sides including Germany, England, Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as senior Dutch club side Oranje Rood and Ireland’s senior side.

The squad ended the tour with five wins from seven matches and Ships midfielder Mackey was comfortable with his performances after taking time to adjust.

“Coming into a new group, my first game or two were quieter than I would have liked, but as the tour continued I was happier with my form and how I was playing in the new structures we were playing with,” Mackey said.

“There were definitely a few skills that the Europeans do really well, such as playing a very patient and composed style.”

DiamondBacks striker Welch was one of the youngest on tour at just 19 and converted two field goals at key moments, Mac key said.

“I thought Jack played consistently well throughout the tour,” Mackey said.

“He was dangerous when he had the ball, created opportunities going forward as well as steals and intercepts in the press.”

The pair will now turn their attention to the remaining two Premier League matches, with Mackey chasing a big finals campaign with OHA.

They will then link up again with the Tassie Tigers for their Australian Hockey League campaign in Perth, where the national senior and development squads will be re assessed.

For Mac key, who missed an international debut because of injury late last year, the coming AHL tournament is particularly important.

“I hope I can continue my form from the tour into club final sand AHL ,” Mac key said.

Another Tasmanian, DiamondBacks attacking midfielder Hayden Beltz, has been named in a 27-athlete national junior squad after impressing at national under-21 level recently.