Aust hockey teams set for double-header

The Kookaburras and Hockeyroos have named their squads for their Pro League double headers against Argentina and New Zealand in Sydney.

Hockeyroos veteran Rachael Lynch will play her 200th international when the world No.3 Australians face New Zealand in the Pro League.

Hockey Australia on Thursday announced the goalkeeper would form part of an extended 19-player squad to take on the Kiwis on Saturday and Argentina on Sunday in their double-header at the Sydney Olympic Park Hockey Centre.

Coach Paul Gaudoin praised the 32-year-old Lynch, who debuted for the Hockeyroos in 2006, highlighting her reputation as one of the most respected athletes in the sport.

"Her performances over the past 12-18 months have been exceptional," Gaudoin said.

Lynch will be joined by Madison Fitzpatrick and Rosie Malone, both returning from injury, Jane Claxton and uncapped Adelaide forward Michaela Spano.

The 21-year-old Spano has been biding her time in the Hockeyroos development squad after graduating from the ranks of the junior national team.

"Michaela is a striker who came across for a Visiting Athlete Agreement for a week in mid-February and impressed," Gaudoin said.

"We're hoping for big things from her."

The world No.2 Kookaburras will take a 22-member squad into the weekend's matches against Argentina, on Saturday, and New Zealand a day later.

Goalkeeper Andrew Charter, Tim Brand, Flynn Ogilvie, Josh Simmonds, Corey Weyer and Tom Wickham have all been included, while Johan Durst and Jacob Anderson miss out.

WA defender Jake Harvie is set to play his 50th match for Australia against the Kiwis.

Coach Colin Batch said the side expected a gruelling two-game battle.

"We play a sport that is very demanding and the second game is always one where fatigue comes into it," he said.

"New Zealand will be fresh, so we need to cover that.

"Argentina play a different style and ... whenever you play them, no matter who is in the side, they're always difficult."

Both Australian teams are second on the Pro League standings.

Hockeyroos: Jocelyn Bartram, Edwina Bone, Lily Brazel, Emily Chalker, Jane Claxton, Kalindi Commerford, Maddison Fitzpatrick, Savannah Fitzpatrick, Rebecca Greiner, Jodie Kenny, Rachael Lynch, Ambrosia Malone, Georgina Morgan, Kaitlin Nobbs, Brooke Peris, Michaela Spano, Sophie Taylor, Mariah Williams, Georgia Wilson.

Kookaburras: Daniel Beale, Tim Brand, Andrew Charter, Tom Craig, Matthew Dawson, Blake Govers, Jake Harvie, Jeremy Hayward, Tim Howard, Tyler Lovell, Trent Mitton, Eddie Ockenden, Flynn Ogilvie, Lachlan Sharp, Josh Simmonds, Matthew Swann, Jack Welch, Corey Weyer, Jake Whetton, Tom Wickham, Dylan Wotherspoon, Aran Zalewski.


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Source: AAP


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