Interview with Greg Drake, Coach of the Victorian u21 women’s team playing in the Australian Championships in Sydney from 14th to 25th April 2009
Bartos: So how do you think you’ll go at the tournament?
Greg: I think we’ll go very well. We have an exceptionally talented and even squad. Even without Georgia Nanscawen and Danielle Schubach who are both last minute withdrawals due to their selection in the Hockeyroos, I think we have the right framework in place and the right players to really do well.
Bartos: So last year you came 6th, what separates this team from last year?
Greg: This year we have a website www.vicu21hockey.com where people can view video highlights of games and interact with team members throughout the tournament. This makes us a much better team. Also, the players have trained long and hard since October last year to get themselves right for this. A standard preparation for this tournament is about 10 weeks. We have been preparing for 24 weeks. The players are fit and well prepared.
Bartos: So you have a website huh?
Greg: Yep, did I mention that? I’m hoping that people will really get behind the team while we are away with messages of support and by interacting with the players throughout the tournament.
Bartos: So who are your major threats?
Greg: They are all threats…. But I think WA and QLD will be the teams to beat as they will both be at full u21 strength. We were the only team to defeat WA on their way to winning the tournament last year and QLD scored against is in the last few minutes to defeat us 1-0. This year we are certainly aiming to beat both, and everyone else.
So make sure you hit up the girls website and leave them a word or two of encouragement!
www.vicu21hockey.com