A goal on debut Illawarra Academy of Sports Graduate Grace Stewart was the highlight for the Hockeyroos in their 1-1 draw with Germany at the inaugural The Project Group (TPG) International Tri-Series tournament at Sengkang Stadium in Singapore on Monday evening. With exactly 200 days to go to the start of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, it was the team’s first competitive outing of the Olympic year. It was her maiden appearance in the gold and green at senior level and what an impression Grace Stewart made. Only 18, she scored Australia’s only goal as the hockey powerhouses were held to a 1-1 draw by Germany in the opening match of the tournament. Stewart, who has just moved from Gerringong to Perth, where the world No. 3 Hockeyroos are based, said: “It was pretty exciting (to make my international debut), and scoring the goal just topped it off.” Debutant Stewart broke the deadlock early on as she finished off a penalty corner in the tenth minute but Germany’s Julia Muller levelled the score before half time with a penalty corner of her own. The Australians enjoyed the lion’s share of the ball but were unable to take greater advantage due to mistakes at penalty corners. Australia’s front line created a number of chances throughout the match, which pleased Head Coach Adam Commens. “It was a pleasing performance. We created a lot of opportunities with a team that was a blend of less experienced athletes, as well as some of more experienced players. It was a really promising start to the tournament for our forwards like Grace Stewart, Laura Barden and Kellie White, who was playing her first game in 14 months. She had some good touches and it was an excellent start for her,” said Commens. “We couldn’t ask for much more from Grace than what we saw. She scored a goal and it was a wonderful start for her. She had lots of involvement in the game; she’s got the speed and physicality that we want from our forwards.” Explaining what he is looking for from the ten-day camp and tournament, Commens added, “We’re looking to discover more about our playing group to test our thoughts about the best combinations and players as we hone in on our strongest 16 leading in to Rio.” The Hockeyroos’ second match of the series is against the Netherlands, coached by Hockeyroos legend Alyson Annan, on Wednesday.
