Maitland hockey product Simon Orchard is on his way to Rio after being named in the 16-man Kookaburras side for August’s Olympics – with gold firmly on his mind.
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The 200-game veteran will play at his second Games after helping Australia to bronze at London 2012.
The 29-year-old said he was thrilled with the selection, not just for himself but for everyone who has helped him though his journey.
“It’s fantastic news, obviously for me but more so for my family and friends and the town of Maitland,” he said.
Orchard is hungry for further success after winning the Champions Trophy in June, and being part of successful Commonwealth Games and World Cup campaigns, but said the experience for him is about much more than winning.
“That gold medal is sitting there waiting for us,” he said. “[It] would be something to cherish.”
“But I try not to define myself by medals or trophies.
“I’m just hoping our team plays to their potential. I’ll rest easy knowing we’ve played the high quality we’re capable of.”
Being one of the senior members of the team is also something important to Orchard, especially considering the half a dozen rookies that have been included in the squad.
“I think naturally with four more years experience, that provides me with a lot of insight into what the team needs,” he said.
“We’ve got six debutantes, they’re all wide eyed and ready. Hopefully in the next three to four weeks I can impart my wisdom onto them.”
But the Olympics is no less exciting to the players who have been before.
“Whether you’ve been to one, two or four Olympics like some of my teammates, I don’t think the Olympics ever gets old.”
“It makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up.”
“I thoroughly enjoyed my last experience and I expect this to be no different.”
And despite playing 200 games for Australia, Orchard doesn’t take his selection for granted.
“It makes you understand the quality of our squad is fantastic.”
Fellow Hunter athlete Matt Dawson was also named in the squad, which leaves for Rio on July 26.