Eddie Ockenden, the Tasmanian hockey great who stood ahead of the game

There is so much to say and admire about Eddie Ockenden and his international hockey career. I say “and” because even though they are tied together, Eddie’s contribution to hockey has been as much, if not more, about who he is and how he’s done it, as much as it is about the number of matches that he has played. 

The congratulations and plaudits from generations and team-mates and opponents rightly tell the regard with which his skill, athleticism and tenacity are held. 

But, as a fellow native of Hobart who has followed his journey since word spread of his talent from the proud North West Graduates HC, the most extraordinary aspect for me of his hockey career is just how, for all these years at the very top of the game, Eddie has always been Eddie.