Kookas selection in sight

HOCKEY: Matthew Finn is not letting defeat at the Junior World Cup stop him from dreaming of one day playing for the Kookaburras.

After returning from India with the Australian under 21s, the Toowoomba keeper is refusing to let his side’s first defeat of 2016 in the semi-final stage put a sour note on what he describes as an unbelievable experience.

“There were a lot of firsts for me,” he said. “It was my first time in such a massive competition like that and the first time I had ever played teams from Africa, America and Europe as well as experiencing India.”

Finn has been a part of the Australian under 21 team throughout the year and boosted his chances of one day putting on a green and gold jersey by representing Queensland at the Australian Hockey League for the first time.

“Everyone wants to play for the Kookaburras and that’s the point of playing in the under 21s; to get the learning experience,” he said. “It is my dream but from what I have seen not everyone goes through. Some people do and I would like to see everyone make it but that doesn’t always happen.”

And the 19-year may have less competition for a spot between the sticks next year as another keeper in this year’s squad turns 22 next year, meaning Finn will be in line for a bigger role in the under 21s’ next outing.

“He can’t be 21 forever and I suppose I could be that next solid choice next year,” he said.