Ford gets Olympic call-up

Monday, 09 July 2012

VIS hockey striker Russell Ford will replace Des Abbott in the Kookaburra’s Olympic team.

Abbott has suffered from a knee injury that has failed to improve since selection, leading to Ford’s selection.

Coach Ric Charlesworth said today it was the hardest decision he has ever had to make during his distinguished coaching career. ‘Des is a walk up start; if his game is uncompromised, he is one of the world’s most brilliant players but the progressive knee injury has interfered in his game,’ he said.

Charlesworth admitted Ford had been unlucky to miss original selection after also missing out on the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He added, ‘Ford has terrific ball skills, he is an endurance athlete with speed and the ability to score goals.’

The Kookaburras are strong favourites for the gold medal in London.