Australia: After series sweep, Hockeyroos look to India
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| Hockey Australia |
August 29, 2005 
Hockey Australia
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by Hockey Australia.
After their clean sweep of the Holiday Inn Women's Challenge against Korea, the Hockeyroos have now turned their attention to the Indira Ghandi International, the World Cup Qualifier and the Champions Trophy.
For national coach, Frank Murray, the Korean series was a success on a number of levels.
"There were some really good things that came out of it. Some of the players really put their hands up and they are getting used to the demands we are putting on them in order to be successful at this level," he said.
The Hockeyroos won the series, in Adelaide, Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast, 6-0 and will be looking to take that form into the Indira Ghandi International, in New Delhi, in October.
With Susie Faulkner set to return from injury, her presence around the goals combined with Nikki Hudson's speed and skill could make for a potent combination in India. With seven goals in the Holiday Inn Women's Challenge, it was an exciting return for Hudson.
"It was her first tournament since the Olympic Games and she did very well. She showed that she's keen and happy to be back. She gives us experience that is very valuable."
That experience, when combined with the talent in the Hockeyroos squad and the talent coming through the junior and development squads, is encouraging for Murray.
"There's some really good players in this group. It's a good team for the future of Australian hockey."
The Hockeyroos will play the Indira Ghandi International Gold Cup in India from 29 September - 10 October; then play New Zealand in the World Cup Qualifiers, in Auckland on November 30 and Sydney on November 3 and 5; followed by the Champions Trophy in Canberra from 26 November - 4 December.

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