Hockeyroos selection points to Rosie future
GOLD Coast pocket dynamo Ambrosia “Rosie” Malone has been named for her Australian seniors debut with the Hockeyroos in Perth today.
The 19-year-old forward from Molendinar has been confirmed as a starter in the first of five internationals between Australia and Spain in a fixture at Guilford Grammar.
And there is a possibility that she will again don the green and gold for the second international tomorrow.
Her selection for the Hockeyroos means that she has a foot in the door for a place in the Commonwealth Games in April, although her mother Cheryl conceded the odds of that happening were long.
Malone is one of four young players who were added to the Hockeyroos squad late last year and she is vying with Laura Barden, Kalindi Commerford and Jodie Kenny for two places in the senior national squad.
Hockey Australia shielded Malone from the media yesterday so her reaction to selection was not known.
But Australian women’s hockey legend Nikki Hudson has followed Malone’s career closely and believes she can go on to big things in the game.
“She’s a fantastic player and to be honest I thought it would not take so long for her debut,” Hudson said. “I’ve always been a massive fan of hers because I believe she has the right attitude and is a great player.”
Hudson, who competed in three Olympic Games and as many Commonwealth Games, said there was no reason why Malone could not make the April Gold Coast Games.
Also a gifted soccer player, Malone has been at the AIS in Perth since her selection in the national squad.
Malone could be playing alongside Tweed Coast star Savannah Fitzpatrick in one of the internationals against Spain.
But the chances of a triple border representation for the Hockeyroos has been dashed because of a shin injury sustained by Savannah’s younger sister Madison.
The series against Spain is being used by coach Paul Gaudoin to narrow the Games squad down to the final 18 who will represent in April.