Hockeyroos further depleted, McGurk pulls out

NEW DELHI - Australia’s women’s hockey team, the defending champions, will be without their key defender Kobie McGurk for the Oct 3-14 Comonwealth Games. McGurk has pulled out due to a stress facture in her foot.

McGurk’s pullout follows that of another defender Teneal Attard who suffered an injury during the Australian league and recently, veteran full-back Kim Walker retired from international hockey.

McGurk will be replaced by 19-year-old Anna Flanagan, who made her international debut this year.

Hockeyroos coach Frank Murray said while it was difficult to replace McGurk, Flanagan’s inclusion would add to the Australian team.

“It is obviously disappointing to lose Kobie because she is such an integral part of our defence and has been a senior player for us for some time. She also added something to us in terms of penalty corners so that will be difficult to replace her.

“However, it now gives an opportunity to Flanagan to step up. She played at the World Cup Qualifier earlier in the year and was part of the squad which toured Europe, so she has had some experience already,” Murray said.

“We see her as being a real player of the future as part of the Australian team. She has a penalty corner prowess as well and has a real presence on the ball. She also has a big motor and I think her athletic and fitness levels will be a real plus at the Commonwealth Games,” he added.