12 Goulburn District Hockey Association members were lucky enough to take part in the NSW Pride Series over the last two weekends.
The group, which is made up of 10 players, one umpire, and one coach, travelled to Sydney Olympic Park to take part in what were essentially trial games for the NSW Pride.
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Due to a spate of unavailabilities within the state squad, Hockey NSW invited players who had represented the state at different points in the past to fill in the gaps.
Makayla Jones, Georgie Smithers, and Dylan Downey were invited to take part due to their places in the Hockey NSW Future Talent Squads, as they train in Sydney regardless.
The rest of the GDHA cohort was comprised of Hayden Shawyer, Brad Smith, Fletcher Craig, Renae Robinson, Emma Lee Croker, Annabel Croker, Bridgette Anable, Kristy Robertson (umpire), James Hanger (coach of NSW Blues Under 21 women's side).
The trials were played to determine the makeup of the NSW Pride sides going forward, particularly as the teams prepare for the upcoming Capital Hockey Challenge in January next year.
The GDHA praised the members who took part, saying it was a reflection of the high volume of top-quality players to emerge from Goulburn.
"It was fantastic to see so many people from the GDHA community involved in the first round of NSW Pride series at Sydney Olympic Park over the weekend," the association said
"Getting the chance to play with and against NSW Pride and Australian players it's a great achievement for our little association to have so many involved."
The Capital Hockey Challenge will be held from January 22 to 26 at the National Hockey Centre in Lyneham, ACT. State sides, including the Canberra Chill, are scheduled to take part.
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