Diary Entry 23rd May 2008
(77 days until Opening Ceremony)

Everything changes during a tournament compared with a training phase/block. Instead of hard physical sessions, extra conditioning and strength training, the primary focus is on performing and playing well- putting everything you have practiced on the pitch to work. In order to perform optimally it is extremely important that that you do everything in your power to recover physically and prepare mentally. The daily schedule on game day would look something like this:

1. Morning walk and stretch
2. Watch video and statistics from the previous game and watch video on the team you are about to face
3. Team meeting- outlining line-up and objectives
4. Game
5. Recovery- active cool-down and ice-baths
6. Debrief -depending on what time we play the next day 

Nutrition and hydration is extremely important- it is essential you eat properly before and after games in order to restore energy supplies. Looking after your body by seeking physio/massage where necessary, stretching and getting the required amount of sleep is also extremely important. The onus is on each individual- it’s about taking responsibility.

17th May - Game 1
Australia Vs Japan
We had a good start to the tournament with a 2-nil win against Japan. Everybody was a solid contributor in this game and there was a really positive tone and vitality within the group.

18th May - Game 2
Australia Vs Germany
The next day was to be our biggest challenge- we faced the home team and reigning Olympic champions Germany after they had come off a loss the previous day against the Netherlands. This was a game of two halves. Germany totally dictated play in the first half; we were on the back foot and got punished for two defensive errors. The second half told a totally different story, we were the dominant team and mounted numerous attacks, however failed to bridge the gap and score and eventually lost 2-1.

19th May - Rest Day
After a lengthy video meeting identifying the areas where we believe we can gain the greatest improvement in the lead up to the games, the day was free. Most of the girls ventured out to Dusseldorf for the day and then headed to Cologne in the evening for dinner.

Yes, that’s right we are away on a hockey trip ... so why are we out and about like tourists you may be thinking? Well, that’s one of the great things about doing what we do, our coaching staff enable and encourage us to experience the country’s culture- they allow us to get out and about and see the sights, as long as you are ready and raring to go for the next game.

20th May - Game 3
Australia Vs Argentina
After the loss to Germany as a group we were determined to bounce back and get another win on the board. Things didn’t quite go to plan, with a 2-1 loss. On reflection we played poorly. Our decision making and skill execution was off and we lacked the tone and vitality that was shown in Game 1. To our credit we fought back in the second half, however after having a goal controversially disallowed we were unable to draw the game- this was probably a true reflection on the game, we didn’t deserve to win with the way we played.

21st May - Game 4
Australia Vs China
Improved effort. We knew we had to address some issues we hadn’t been achieving in previous games and we did that to some extent. We started well going into half time 2-1 up. However with less than 1 minute remaining we were down 3-2. We forced a penalty corner and I scored my first international goal to draw the game, as a defender these are not easily come by – yah!

1 win, 1 draw and 2 losses - not ideal.
We now have two rest days and then face the Netherlands on Friday. Although the results have not necessarily fallen our way, we are aware of the fact that we haven’t played our best hockey and have still remained competitive with the top teams in the world. We can’t pinpoint why we are not playing well as a group- but I'm suggesting selections are playing on a lot of people’s minds and affecting their performance. We are not in crisis mode just yet; I’ve always believed that if you put in the hard work, the results will come – we have 10 weeks to do just this - fine tune and sharpen up in time for the Olympic Games.