Southern pair named in national Futures side

New Zealand Futures midfielder Maddi McLean cracks the ball during a hit around at the McMillan...
New Zealand Futures midfielder Maddi McLean cracks the ball during a hit around at the McMillan Hockey Centre yesterday. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH
It is complicated, but, technically, Southern can still lay claim to Maddi McLean.

The 20-year-old midfielder has been named in the New Zealand Futures team alongside Southern team-mate Tessa Jopp.

It has been, well, yonks since Southern supplied the Black Sticks with a women's international but the pair are on track to break the drought.

Here is where things get a little confusing. Southern pulled out of the National Hockey League this year, which left McLean scrambling to find a team. She ended up playing for Northland in the tournament and hails from the Waikato.

Jopp grew up in the Maniototo but has moved north to Auckland and played for North Harbour in the NHL this season.

However, they are both still registered with Southern and have been earmarked as future internationals.

Both the men's and women's Futures teams will compete in the Australian Hockey League at the Perth Hockey Stadium from September 29-October 9.

It is the first time New Zealand teams have contested the tournament.

McLean has been on the selectors' radar for the past couple of years and has played for the development team before. Being pegged as a potential international has helped kept her motivated.

``It does keep you motivated but there is always lots more work to do,'' she said.

``You can always get better. Especially in hockey, because it is a sport where you can keep learning new skills and things.''

As for her allegiances, McLean is loyal to the Waikato.

``Southern is my adopted home but I do enjoy it down here.''

McLean moved to Dunedin three years ago to attend the University of Otago and is studying physical education.

When Southern pulled out of the NHL, she had to quickly organise playing for another team.

``It was disappointing not having a team to [play] with down here but I was able to train with the Otago senior men's and women's teams just to get a bit of preparation. It definitely would have been better if Southern had a team.''

McLean will play as a midfield-defender for the Futures team but her role with Northland was more attacking.

``I got put in a different position where I got a bit more ball and got to distribute a bit more and get a bit more involved in the games,'' she said.

Her form improved during the tournament week and she was pleased with how she went. Northland finished sixth.

McLean expects the level of competition in Australian Hockey League will be intense. The New Zealand teams will match their skills with teams from India and Malaysia as well as the Australian state and territory teams.

``It is going to be full on and pretty intense and a really good standard of hockey. It is a wee bit of an unknown for us but I'm excited for the challenge and to get some more experience of international hockey.''

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