Dardanup hockey star Tom Harvie named in 2022 men’s national development squad

Dardanup hockey star Tom Harvie is one step closer to realising his dream of playing for the Kookaburras after being named in the 2022 men’s national development squad. The Boyanup Hockey Club product was one of three WA athletes named in the 20 man-squad following a national selection camp in February. Harvie said while he was thrilled with his selection in the development squad, it was a small step toward a bigger goal of playing for the Kookaburras. “It is exciting as it’s a step in the right direction, but obviously I’m aiming for that next level,” he said. “It’s bittersweet in a way, I’m very grateful for the opportunity and it gives you that chance to be involved with the Kookaburras. “I was involved in the selection process this year and didn’t quite make the cut, but that’s alright, I’ve got plenty of years and I’ve got youth on my side.” “I’m very much looking forward to Hockey One and having another crack at making my way into the senior squad,” he said. “The beauty of the development squad is that it is going to give me the best opportunity I can to prepare for that tournament and go in and play my best hockey.” As part of the squad, Harvie will train at the Nation Training Centre and get to test himself against the Kookaburras squad at trainings and games — including his brother and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jake Harvie. Kookaburras head coach Colin Batch said Harvie and the squad had an opportunity to develop and show they are ready to take the next step. The rising star said he was ready to push himself against the team that most recently claimed a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. “It is always exciting to be involved with them because they’re one of the best teams in the world,” he said. “Any opportunity to learn and get better, especially in that environment against the best players in the world, you’re going to improve drastically. “I really do enjoy any opportunity I get to go down there.” Harvie featured for the Outbacks in the Ric Charlesworth Classic in Perth recently, where his side went down 4-1 against the Highlanders in the grand final of the round-robin tournament. He will now turn his attention to the Hockey WA Premier League where he will represent the Westside Wolves.