Kookaburras defeat Ireland as Brand snags 100 caps

The Kookaburras have defeated Ireland in their second pool match of the 2024 Olympic Games as NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) athlete and forward Tim Brand brought up 100 caps for Australia, six years after his debut in 2018.

The Australian Men’s Hockey Team are primed to face arguably their toughest pool game yet, defeating Ireland 2-1, one day before they take on defending Olympic champion Belgium.

Despite holding a clean sheet over Ireland, the Kookaburras knew today’s outing under the harsh European sun would be no easy feat, given the world number 11 side were coming into the Olympics in hot form, with recent victories over Belgium.

Desperate to maintain their clean record against Ireland, the Kookaburras came out with full attacking pace, creating chances within the first few minutes before they were eventually awarded a penalty corner. 

Game one’s sole goal scorer Blake Govers took on the task, but Olympic debutant Corey Weyer would get rewarded off the deflection, notching just his fourth-career goal to hand the Kookaburras the early lead.

“I’ve been saying to the boys all year that I’m due for a goal every game, and finally I was right today,” Corey said. 

“That was my fourth for Australia, so there’s not a heap to choose from, and I can remember them all. 

“Whenever I score, I run them over in my mind for days and this one will be extra special to my memory for sure.”

Responding to early scoreboard pressure, Ireland switched tactics and fired up, getting in behind Australia’s defenders, holding possession and finding their opportunities.

Three attempts on goal went astray until they seized their moment off a penalty corner and Ireland’s Lee Cole levelled the scores, in what was a dominant quarter by his side.

But the scores would only remain level for a moment. With 10 seconds in the half remaining Blake delivered an unstoppable penalty stroke to take the lead and maintain a perfect goal-to-game ratio at these Olympic Games.

Perth striker Tom Wickham almost made the board at the Games with a solid goal which was later overturned when Ireland reviewed and the Kookaburras were forced to defend their narrow lead right until the final hooter.

“It’s the Olympics and time spent four years between cycles and defences tighten up, and it’s not always going to be three or four-nil wins, and certainly not in the medal matches,” Corey said. 

“So getting these close wins early on in the tournament really puts us in good stead for later on.”

The Kookaburras now face a rematch of the Tokyo 2020 gold medal final against Belgium tomorrow at 3.45am AEST.

“It’s definitely time for revenge,” Corey said. 

“Tokyo was a long time ago, so there is a different group now. We’ve taken those learnings, and we’re certainly in a better space physically, mentally and with our skill execution at the moment.

“I’m not superstitious, but I might start now! Maybe these underpants I’m wearing now might be lucky because I scored! I think these might get worn tomorrow.”

Article courtesy of Australian Olympic Committee