By Tara Murray
Ruby Gorton keeps going from strength to strength on the hockey field.
The Eynesbury resident, who has been part of several state sides, has been selected in her first Hockey Victoria national squad.
The squad will represent Australia at under-16 level later this year in Malaysia .
“It’s such an honour to be put on a pathway where there’s such an opportunity to represent your country at an elite level,” she said.
“Being able to compete across the world which I think is a once in a lifetime experience that I had to work so hard for, so seeing the work pay off is so exciting to see.
“I have worn the green and gold at School Sport Australia, but to wear it for Hockey Australia would be a dream come true.”
Gorton’s selection in the Australian squad came after a stunning under-16 national championships representing Victoria.
She had two best on grounds and two player of the match awards in that tournament and was the second leading goal scorer as Victoria won bronze.
Gorton said she thought it was her best championships so far.
“I had to play in a completely different position to what I’m used to playing for state,” she said.
“At first I was unsure but grew to love the new attacking position. I got second leading goal scorer in the competition on six goals which I was really proud of.
“My team made the semi final, where we were eventually beaten by Queensland. We finished the tournament with a bronze medal.”
Gorton said for her the goal at every event is to create a sense of achievement and show where her hard work.
There’s another national championships on the horizon for Gorton, who will play for Victoria in the under-18 nationals.
She said she was excited for not only the high quality of the tournament but also the level and experience of the coaching.
“I’m hoping to really develop as a player and build some strength as I will be one of the youngest in the tournament being below the bottom age,” she said. “With a lot to prove, I know the national selectors will be observing my performance prior to selection to a tournament in Malaysia in November.”
Gorton said she was hoping to stay on the national pathway through the age groups and end up playing for the Hockeyroos.
She said the Olympics remain the goal.
While she’s got her national and state commitments, Gorton is also busy playing for Footscray in the Hockey Victoria Vic league competition.
“This season will be tough again, playing in the highest competition level of Victoria,” she said.
“Still, hopefully now with a few years of experience up my sleeve it will come naturally.
“I am now one of the more experienced players in the group and we have gelled well. With such a young team we are certainly up against it, but I know the Footscray ‘Bulldog Spirit’ will get us over the line.”
