THERE is a new shadow on the Australian masters hockey scene.
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Bega’s Michael Collins has been named as a shadow - or reserve - player for the men’s over 50s team.
Meanwhile, Leigh Rogers, who played for the over 45s women earlier this year in Fiji, has been slotted in to the over 40s age group to play in Melbourne next year.
Collins may not get to take the field in the international competition, but said he was excited to be named.
“It’s a bit of recognition that what I am doing has been noticed,” Collins said.
“After a number of rejections or non-selections you start to think what is the point.
“So even to be named as a shadow is very exciting.”
After being selected last year, Rogers said she aimed to make the squad again.
“I put a lot of pressure on myself to make selection this year,” Rogers said.
“I wanted to prove that it wasn’t a one-off fluke.
“To be dropped down an age group is a real accomplishment.”
The pair had to make their respective state teams for a chance to play on the national level.
After making NSW selection again in July, Rogers was further recognised by being named captain of the team for two games, as well as a member of the leadership group.
Rogers scored the opening goal in the grand final, which NSW won 2-1 over Queensland.
Collins was selected to the division one NSW team for the third-time running.
Playing the men’s national event in Perth in September, the NSW squad didn’t fare quite so well, but finished second.
“We lost the final to home team WA,” Collins said.
In an amusing coincidence, both players thought they had missed out.
“They announced the teams and then they announced the 45s and I didn’t make the team so I was pretty devastated,” Rogers said.
“Then I found out I was named in the over 40s.”
Collins said it took a week before he discovered his name on the roster.
“They call the names straight after the final game,” Collins said.
“My name wasn’t called, which was disappointing, but that’s how it goes and it has happened before.
“About a week later I was having a chat with some of the guys and then on the web I checked the site and saw my name in the train-on squad,” he said with a laugh.
The real challenge for Collins begins now, as he has to keep up a national-level training program ahead of the Melbourne event in May next year.
“I am doing a lot of gym work and running about six days a week,” he said.
“I also train at the tennis courts a few times a week just to keep the feel of the artificial turf.”
Collins, who played this year with the Candelo men’s team, is likely to take on the Canberra competition over summer.
“I think it will give me the incentive to do the travelling again,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rogers is able to take part in both the local and Canberra competitions.
“I can play here on Saturday, then travel to Canberra on Sunday,” Rogers said.
Collins was delighted just to be named in the nationals, even if he doesn’t get to play.
Australia will take on New Zealand in a series of three games for each age division.
“The men and women are all going to be in Melbourne at the same time,” Rogers said.
There will also be an overall trophy for one of the two countries based on the tallied results from all grades.
The masters event will take place in Melbourne in May 2015.