Kershaw back where she belongs, chasing Games gold

TOWNSVILLE star Stephanie Kershaw insists the new- look Hockeyroos can handle the pressure of performing at a home Commonwealth Games as they look to maintain their dominance of the tournament.

The world number five Australians have claimed the past three gold medals, but will face stiff opposition from England ( second) and New Zealand ( fourth) on the Gold Coast next month.

Kershaw’s selection was a massive relief for the 22- year- old, who was left shattered when a serious knee injury robbed her of any hope of playing at the 2016 Olympics.

“It’s a much nicer outcome. I’m absolutely stoked and it’s a dream come true. I’ve wanted to go to the Commonwealth Games since I was a little girl,” Kershaw said.

“I guess it is a good time to look back and be proud of everything, all the training I’ve had to do.”

Kershaw is one of 10 players in the 18- player squad preparing for their first Commonwealth Games as the Hockeyroos regeneration continues under coach Paul Gaudoin.

Kershaw believes the foundations built last year should hold them in good stead before an important year which includes the World Cup in England in July.

She said the Hockeyroos’ history of success would heighten expectations.

“It’s also good because you know we’ve won it before, but at home there’s definitely a bit more pressure,” Kershaw said.

“This year is hopefully our breakout year as a team. Last year we had a heap of new players, myself included, that haven’t had many caps.

“But we also have a core older group who have all been to a Comm Games, they’re giving us the ropes and the low down.”

Traditionally a forward, injuries have seen Kershaw move to the mid- field, and she is relishing the chance to be more involved.

“I was playing striker but we’ve had a few injuries, so I’m back in the midfield now, which is agreeing with me,” she said.

“If we stick to our game plan and do what we were picked in the team for in the first place, I think we’ll be fine.

“We’re pretty attacking, maybe sometimes to the detriment of ourselves. We’re working on decision making and knowing when to reset, and not go all guns blazing.”

The Hockeyroos will head into camp on the Gold Coast next Wednesday before their first pool game against Canada on Thursday, April 5.