Diary Entry 30th May 2008
(70 days until Opening Ceremony)

22nd and 23rd May
Rest Days

After a draw with China in Game 4, we had two rest days. This is not normal having two days off mid-tournament, however it provided us with the opportunity to look at video- analyse areas where we needed to improve and address issues in our game that were continually highlighted, as a team and as individuals. In order to address the issues, we were split into two groups- forwards and defenders. We both had 2 tasks to complete; Task 1 debriefing the previous games and areas of concern and Task 2 where we looked ahead and narrowed in on Holland.  Once completed both groups reported back to the whole group and found the positives to move forward.

After the video meeting, the days were free. A lot of girls like to laze around and watch movies and sleep - they call it recovering. I on the other hand like to get out and about - see the surrounds and experience as much as I can whilst I’m in that country. In Monchengladbach there wasn’t a whole lot to see so I just strolled through the city, sat in cafes; sipping on a coffee and checking emails as well as  people watching - very interesting in a foreign country - I call this ‘Kobie time’. When your in a team environment all of the time I believe it is important to escape and have time to yourself.

24th May - Game 5
Australia V Holland

Going into Game 5 we knew if we won the game we could make the 3 v 4 playoffs. This was not to be, after an extremely disappointing first half of hockey we were always chasing and were unable to close the gap. After a half time ‘rev-up’ we did perform better in the second half, but it was a case of too little too late going down 2-1.

25th May - 5 V 6 playoff
Australia V Japan

And so, we were playing for fifth place at 10.00 am against Japan. This meant an early start, for morning people such as I this was not an issue for the bed-lovers and late rises it was a challenge.... You know the girls you can and can’t speak to in the mornings, you need to tread carefully otherwise you may get your head-bitten off… very funny at times! With all of that put aside we finished the tournament on a positive note with a convincing 3 nil win. We came away knowing we must improve in order to be a medal prospect at the Olympics.  We also have the belief we are not far from that.

After a long flight back to Oz, the remainder of the week is fairly low-key with a few conditioning sessions (bike and run) as well as stretching and beach/pool recovery. However, things start ramping up for us again as of Monday - yes that’s right; we don’t get a long weekend… bugger.  Long weekends don’t exist in our sport!

But the ‘thing’ on everyone’s mind at the moment revolves around one word.

The word of the moment, the word everyone is avoiding to say, having nightmares about, dreaming of….

Starts with S…..

One guess?????

SELECTION

The time has finally arrived. In less than two weeks the final 16 to compete at the Olympic Games will be named. The 19 players that were taken to the Champions Trophy were given the opportunity to perform and impress and therefore the chance of Olympic selection, conversely the opportunity to play themselves out of form and thus selection. Six girls were not taken on the tour, they remained at home and trained hard in order to keep their dream alive, but we all know they are still in with as much chance as any of us. And then there is the ‘dark horse’, could an outsider, some one possibly from outside the squad make it?? Who knows, I wish I knew…. But I don’t even think the coaches and selectors know at the moment - I don’t envy them that’s for sure!

Individually, I took the challenge of playing at the Champions Trophy as an opportunity to succeed - aiming to raise the level of consistency of my performances. I went in knowing that I was in charge of my own destiny and had only I to blame if I did not perform to the level required! I hope I did enough - all will be revealed in less than two weeks! I’m crossing off the days; that’s for sure. Everyone please cross your fingers for me!