By Benjamin Millar
Ruby Gorton is fast making her name as a jewel in the local hockey crown.
The Eynesbury 12-year-old’s blistering form with Footscray Hockey Club has seen her selected to represent Victoria in the under-12s squad at the national championships in August.
Ruby’s first call-up to the squad came two years ago in 2019, where she helped Victoria claim third place, however the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the championships in 2020.
Since her first call-up she has twice achieved a runner’s up medal at the state indoor championships and been admitted to the prestigious South West Academy of Sport.
Ruby’s now ready and raring to take on the nation’s best when the championship get underway in the ACT.
“Honestly it feels really good that I’ve got this opportunity, I’m looking forward to getting on the field again and just playing,” she said.
“I was really overjoyed that I got to play for Victoria when I got into the team two years ago when I was 10 years old, obviously I didn’t to get to play last year so now I’m really looking forward to it.”
Ruby has been playing hockey since the age of four, following in the footsteps of her parents and uncle.
She said her love for the game goes back even further.
“I went to the Olympics when I was three, the 2012 games, and once I saw that I thought I really wanted to play,” she said.
“I just fell in love with the sport.”
Ruby has shown herself to be highly adaptable on the pitch, with a preference to play midfield but ability to go forward as well.
“I like midfield because you get to run around a lot and it’s fun to keep the game going,” she said.
“I missed out on nearly a year of hockey, I got disappointed that I didn’t get to play that year but it feels like things are starting to brighten up.
“I’m really excited to be getting back in the team, I’ve been able to play for Footscray and that’s great – the club has really nice people and always gives me the best opportunities.”
Ruby’s love for hockey and competing at elite levels also has her eyeing off a long future in the sport.
“When I grow up I really would like to play for the Hockeyroos and go to the Olympics,” she said.
