HOCKEY: Territorian Jeremy Hayward saved his best for last at the recent Hockey World League in Raipur, scoring one of two goals in the gold medal match to secure the Aussie’s their maiden title.
The 22-year-old scored three goals in the earlier stages of the tournament but put in his man of the match performance against Belgium, scoring the match-winner as the Kookaburras prevailed.
Hayward, who led the Australian goal scorers list at the World League, has now been named in the 2016 Olympic Men's Hockey Squad and hopes to make his Olympic dreams a reality.
Hailing from Darwin, Hayward has been playing hockey since he was four-years-old, with his mum coaching and his brother, Leon, acting as a training partner.
“It was a family thing that got started and never ended really.
“My brother was a goal keeper so I always just got to hit balls at him,” said Hayward who enjoys playing alongside Leon in the senior squad.
After finishing school, Hayward ventured over to Perth and the rest was history, with the youngster making his senior international debut in 2014.
“It’s been a whirlwind couple of years, I’ve played in a World Cup and now I am playing for Australia on a regular basis. It’s a dream come true”
But despite playing alongside some of Australia’s hockey legends, including three time Olympians, Jamie Dwyer and Mark Knowles, Hayward is only focused on the hockey.
“I’m just trying to play hockey really, that’s what I’m there for”
Hayward was forced to step up in India, when the side’s star drag flicker, Blake Govers was ruled out due to a foot injury.
“We had no specialised drag flicker, so someone had to take the number one role, which is what myself and Kieran Govers did.”
The change proved to be quite the success for the Aussie’s who walked away champions, despite a shock loss to Great Britain in the pool stage.
“They were a very young side and they gave it to us,” said Hayward who believes the loss was a positive thing in the long run.
“It was a kick in the bum but it probably helped in the long run especially leading into the Olympics.”
Head coach, Graham Reid described Haywards progression as a “quick rise to fame” after he showed serious talent at the 2014 World Cup.
“Jeremy had an impressive debut but unfortunately has had a run with injuries.
“He suffered from stress fractures in his shin and therefore wasn’t able to compete for three-four months this year,” said Graham, a former player and Olympic silver medallist.
But despite the ups and downs for the 2014 World Junior PLayer of the Year, Reid is confident he’ll be back to top shape soon.
“India was a great testing ground for him, and we’re now seeing him getting back to where he was before his injuries.”
Reid said he was great to have Hayward on board for the lead up to the Games.
“He’s a world class drag flicker and that’s something that he’ll be trying to hone in on over the next six months.”
Hayward said the opportunity to compete at an Olympic Games is something he has dream of and trained for since her picked up his first stick.
“It’s the pinnacle for hockey and a lot of other sports. It would be amazing to be involved in the Olympics in Rio.”
Despite it being his debut, Hayward and the team will going to Rio to prove they are the best.
“We always aim to win, we always aim for gold.”
Hayward said it will be disappointing to walk away from Rio without gold medal, but at the moment the squad are looking to do the best they can, which for him means having a focused eight month plan.
“I plan to knuckle down on my fitness and everything involved in hockey, try and get my training right as well as my health and diet.
“I want to be at my pinnacle and be at my best for the Olympics”
Ashleigh Knight
olympics.com.au
