Coronavirus forcing the delay of the Tokyo Olympic Games has created a massive opportunity for Dylan Martin.
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The Wagga product is the only change to the Kookaburras' squad for the postponed event in 2021.
Martin is uncapped but forced his way into the squad after impressing at the recent National Super Camp in Perth.
The 22-year is thrilled to have earned his place in the final 27.
Even if it has come earlier than he expected.
"I was stoked," Martin said.
"It is something I've been hopeful of for a while but I guess this happening was a little bit sooner than I thought so I am super stoked with it all."
Martin believes having his plans interrupted by COVID-19 has really helped push his case forward.
It has not only given him more time, but believes it has helped with his approach to the game.
"The year of COVID helped me heaps," Martin said.
"At the start of this year I wasn't ready for any of this and it's given me a year to work on my game.
"I was able to get away from it but came back and obviously put a good performance in.
"I've came away a bit better and stronger."
The final squad for the Olympics will be reduced to 16 players.
However Martin is looking to use his chance to continue to impress and learn off Australia's best players starting with a three-week conditioning block before Christmas.
He hopes it will be a good launching pad for Tokyo and beyond.
"Once you're in the squad anyone has the opportunity to get in," Martin said.
"I'm so happy with where I am at but there is a lot of learning I can have this year.
"It is always good to be in it and anything can happen.
"I'm just happy to be in the squad and work my way from there.
"There's the most capped Kookaburra ever (Eddie Ockenden) playing and there is a variety of good hockey players I can learn off."
Kookaburras coach Colin Batch said Martin's hockey attributes will further strengthen the squad
"Dylan is strong technically, physically he is very good, and he is a smart player who can play in a number of different positions for us," Batch said.
"His selection provides additional balance to our playing positions, particularly in defence, and he will certainly challenge others in the squad to lift their level even higher."
"We have a lot of excellent players in this squad and breaking into the Kookaburras team isn't easy."
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Courtney Rees
Courtney is a sports journalist from The Daily Advertiser focusing on Group Nine, Southern Inland, cricket, harness racing and greyhound racing.
Courtney is a sports journalist from The Daily Advertiser focusing on Group Nine, Southern Inland, cricket, harness racing and greyhound racing.
