Ward grasps her next Hockeyroos opportunity

DARLEY hockey star Zali Ward says her second taste of international hockey – much like the first back in February – has only left her craving more.

Ward, who turned 23 on 18 June, is still on a high after playing three games for the Hockeyroos against India and the United States late last month and early this month in Perth.

The warm-up matches served as a launchpad towards the FIH Pro League and the 2026 FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup.

Her appearances were a dream follow-up to her debut in Block 2 of the Pro League in Hobart earlier in the year.

Ward officially became Hockeyroo No. 543 when she debuted against China in February.

After her first three games came against China (twice) and Spain, the resourceful midfielder and striker excitingly got her first on-field look at a couple of new international opponents.

“It’s pretty cool to verse international teams and India has always been such a classy, skilful team to play against,” Ward said.

“And they are super quick, playing such a fast style of game.

“But I enjoy that; it’s quite challenging.

“The US were another different style; really strong and young and quite fiery.

“I liked our matches with them.”

While she is not a part of the Hockeyroos squad currently in Europe for the Hockeyroos’ Pro League matches against Germany, England, Belgium and the Netherlands, Ward was encouraged by the assessment from her national team coaches following her performances in Perth.

“I’ve enjoyed all of the opportunities and the training feedback has been great,” she said.

“I’m just trying to keep progressing.

“The long-term goal is to find a permanent spot in the team, but for now I am really happy with how I’m progressing, so I will keep chipping away.”

With a World Cup on the horizon, the stage is set for an exciting period for the Hockeyroos as they look to improve on their current world ranking of eighth.

Needless to say, Ward would love to be a part of the action in the Netherlands and Belgium in August.

“I look forward to any opportunity at international level and amongst study and work, it’s really fun to break it up,” she said.

“I think the more of a taste you get of international hockey, the more you want to play it.

“Hopefully I get a few more opportunities in the near future.”

While her teammates have been busy preparing for their Pro League commitments, back home, Ward has been concentrating on her university exams.

Currently majoring in neuroscience in her final year of a University of Melbourne science degree, she is also working part-time.

 

While it’s quite the balancing act, Ward would not have it any other way.

All indications are that she is thriving on the challenge.

“Right now is the most I’ve ever had on my plate. I’ve got a new job, I’m finishing uni, as well as training to be in the national team and playing club (hockey) every week for Essendon,” she said.

“It’s quite a juggle, but I love it. I have a really organised calendar, which keeps me on time I guess.”

Ward, who spent three years in the under-21 Australian team – the Jillaroos – before her elevation to the senior squad, still has plenty of other hockey to concentrate on.

She is in the midst of another Victorian Premier League season with her long-time club Essendon and will later this year be a part of HC Melbourne’s push to title honours in the Australian Hockey One League.

After four-straight grand final appearances and two premierships, the Bombers find themselves in unfamiliar territory in the VPL in sixth spot on the ladder, but up for the fight.

“We won the premiership last year, but we lost a few key players this year, so we’re not as dominant,” she said.

“It’s still fun being among the girls and playing in the Premier League.

“It’s a high level and it’s my outlet.

“We’ve got time to build – we’ve got a young side, so we need to grow our experience.

“It’s a great opportunity for the young girls to develop amongst some of us more experienced girls.”

Despite her numerous commitments, Ward still finds time to give back to the community that has so generously supported her, including in her role as a cultural mentor at Darley Junior Football Club.

With several Hockeyroos stars expected to line up in the next Hockey India League (HIL) season beyond this year’s World Cup, Ward admits a full-time hockey career is something she would consider if the opportunity knocked.

Not that she isn’t already living her best life.

“To become professional would be amazing,” Ward said.

“But I really do value a dual career.

“Learning something outside of your sport enables you to not only focus on something else, but strengthens your ability to analyse sports as well.

“I actually do like working alongside playing.” More sport from page 25.