Malone misses Games but vows to power on
ROSIE Malone has vowed to keep her Olympic flame flickering despite being ruled out of her chance to play for Australia in the Commonwealth Games.
The 20-year-old from Molendinar missed selection in a squad of 27 named for the Hockeyroos’ 2018 campaign, which includes the Games in April.
“Now I’ll be working on getting to the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020,” Malone said.
“That’ll be the target for next few years.
“Obviously my focus was 100 per cent on the Commonwealth Games so when I was told I was not in the squad I was shocked and disappointed.”
Malone had only just returned from three matches playing for the Hockeyroos in internationals against Spain in Perth and from all accounts had impressed a number of good judges.
“This is all part of a big learning curve for me but all I can do is train hard for the next one,” the diminutive forward said.
While it was sadness on the northern side of the Queensland-NSW border, there was elation down Cabarita way with sisters Madison and Savannah Fitzpatrick confirmed as members of the 2018 Hockeyroos and with chances of playing in the Commonwealth Games.
The Fitzpatricks remain at the AIS in Perth where Madison is recovering from a shin injury that kept her out of the series against Spain.
Malone was one of four players chasing two places in the Hockeyroos squad, which will be reduced to 18 for the Commonwealth Games.
The two who received the selectors’ nod are Kalindi Commerford (Canberra) and Jodie Kenny from Wamuran in Queensland.
Kenny is a 30-year-old who has played 186 games for Australia and who is returning after becoming a mother.