Wagga product Dylan Martin falls into the first category, but it's far from a sledge.

It's reserved for the blue collar workers of the team, the players who fill a role in low maintenance and reliable fashion.

They won't come up with the flashy plays that lead news bulletins, but their important contribution doesn't go unnoticed within the inner sanctum.

As I watched Australia's Olympic final clash with Belgium on Thursday with Martin's family at his sister Brooke's Estella home, they'd cheer every time he touched the ball.

In an ideal, COVID-free world they'd be in the stands at Tokyo, but a living room decked out in green and gold streamers and balloons, and the miniature jerseys of his nephews Santino and Valentine, will have to do.

IN OTHER NEWS

The entire family lives and breathes hockey and know the nuances of the game inside out. But for most of us Martin would have gone largely unnoticed in his debut Olympics as the established stars of the side strutted their stuff.

As a defender, that's a good thing.

"Dyl's classed as a tradie, he's a hard worker," Brooke says.

His father Ross pipes up: "When they pick out their best players it's always someone who scores a goal or something like that, but it doesn't happen unless the engine room is working well."

Dylan is the laidback 'baby' of the family, but Brooke could tell how much the match meant to him speaking to him on game day.

"I could sense a little bit of nerves but he's always calm. He tries to treat everything just like any other game and not worry about any added pressure."

For a family about to watch their youngest battle for Olympic gold, everyone is remarkably calm.

They are comforted by the fact Dylan will be coming home with a medal of some description, which eases the tension somewhat.

It's actually less nerve wracking than the quarter final triumph over Netherlands, when the Kookaburras needed to win a penalty shootout to advance.

"I think we're a bit more relaxed," Brooke says. Mother Lesley, the one who rides every minute more than anyone else, chips in "I'm not".

"I was probably more nervous in that quarter final game, because if they lost it they're out," Brooke continued.

"Now I know he's getting a silver or gold medal, it's awesome. He'll be cranky if they don't win, but I think that will be short-lived and he'll be happy if he gets a silver."

The match begins. As expected it's a grinding affair early as Belgium, the 2016 silver medallists, and Australia, the world number one, feel each other out.

The Kookaburras defend stoically in the first half and it's scoreless at the main break.

The family is still composed. They've seen Australia dominate in the second half all tournament, and hope they can repeat the dose.

But less than 90 seconds into the second half, disaster hits. Belgium scores first to take a 1-0 lead, and everyone's now on edge.

Brother Stuart is badgering the players to lift. Rhys, remarks: "Stu, I get worried but you get angry".

Australia's response is positive. They finish off the third quarter strongly, showing more initiative and urgency with their attacks.

It's rewarded two minutes into the final quarter when Tom Wickham continues a fine tournament by scoring the equaliser.

The Kookaburras dominate the closing stages but can't find the killer blow, forcing the game to the dreaded penalty shootout.

Asked if they'd like to see Dylan take a penalty, his mum says "No, we do not."

Rhys says: "I talked to him after the Netherlands game and he reckons he was ready (to take a penalty), if they needed him."

The family's spared the tension of watching Dylan take a penalty. Still, it's initially too much for Lesley who briefly leaves the room as the shootout begins.

Australia goes down, ensuring they will win silver, but the vision of dejected Kookaburras players embracing causes Brooke to shed a few tears.

The letters 'go for gold' are hung up on the wall, but the family is still immensely proud of Dylan's massive achievement.

"It's a good result overall for him, but I'm sure he's not happy about things at the moment," Ross said.

"He's had a great tournament. He's a steady player who doesn't make mistakes and just does his job. I'm sure he'll get another go at it."

Rhys said his younger brother would sit back and reflect in a few days' time and be rapt with his silver medal, especially given he only broke into the Kookaburras side early this year, and was initially targeting 2024.

"He's very relaxed and easy-going and will see how it is," he said.

"He won't dwell on it, he'll be happy and he'll be fine."

After helping Australia's under-21s win the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia in 2017, Martin lost his medal somewhere in Byron Bay.

It still hasn't been found, but you can bet he'll take greater care with even more precious cargo upon his return from Tokyo.

"We've talked a lot in our family that it wasn't expected he'd be at this Olympics. But he needed to take this opportunity as his Olympic games, because you never know when you're going to get another chance," Brooke said.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: