Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens has predicted a bright future for his team after a stirring silver medal effort in the Champions Trophy tournament in Argentina.
Australia, who were looking for their first Champions Trophy gold medal in 11 years, dominated most of the final against Argentina in Mendoza, but were held 1-1 in regulation time, before going down 3-1 in the shootout.
It was defending champions Argentina's sixth tournament win, equalling the record of Australia and the Netherlands.
Argentinian goalkeeper Belen Succi was Australia's nemesis, pulling off two sets of double saves in the second half and denying the Hockeyroos twice in the shootout.
It was Australia's first Champions Trophy medal since 2009.
The silver medal effort in Mendoza equalled Australia's performance at the World Cup and World League finals and followed their gold medal win at the Commonwealth Games, with the Hockeyroos ranked second in the world.
"It's fantastic to reach the final with such a young group and I've been proud of their conduct on and off the pitch throughout the tournament," Commens said.
"The future looks good for the Hockeyroos. The competition within the squad is fiercer than ever, which can only enhance our progression."
The win was a fitting way for the vastly more experienced Argentinian squad to farewell their legendary captain Luciana Aylmar, the eight-time world player of the year.
The veteran midfielder was named player of the tournament but seemed to have a little luck with the first attempt in the shootout.
Her shot cannoned off both posts and didn't appear to cross the line, but was confirmed a goal after being referred by Australia.
Australia, who last made the Champions Trophy final in 2009, when they also lost to Argentina in a shootout, had 58 per cent of possession.
They had seven shots to three, 16 penetrations to 10 and two penalty corners to one.
Argentina started well, but Australia had three shots to one in a tight first half and the only penalty corner of the first 30 minutes.
The Hockeyroos took a 35th minute lead through a Kathryn Slattery field goal,following good work from Mathilda Carmichael.
The Hockeyroos' lead lasted just four minutes, with Florencia Habif deflecting Noel Barrionuevo's fierce drive from a penalty corner past Australian goalkeeper Ashlee Wells.
"I thought we played very well," Commens said.
"We created enough opportunities during the game to finish it off but their goalkeeper played a great match.
"We were not as clinical as we could have been though. It's disappointing to lose in the shootout and I thought we were unlucky there, too."
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