Kookaburras legend Eddie Ockenden has called time on his international hockey career, retiring as a five-time Olympian with a record 451 international appearances for Australia.
The 37-year-old Tasmanian made the decision as he prepares to move back home to Hobart with his partner Lou and their three boys.
Ockenden, became a three-time Olympic medallist, collecting bronze in 2008 and as captain in 2012, before co-leading the side to a silver medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021.
A double World Cup winner, seven-time Champions Trophy winner, four-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games flag bearer, he was Tasmania's first-ever Olympic opening ceremony flag bearer at the Paris Games earlier this year.
"I've always wanted to move back to Tasmania and the kids are at a good age to move right now, they're not too old and we just knew it was time to move home," he said.
Ockenden's career pathway started 24 years ago in 2000 with a scholarship through Tasmania Institute for Sport (TIS) when he was just 13 and he made his debut for the Kookaburras six years later.
"It feels like my whole career has gone by in a flash," he said.
"There are so many great memories, with good friends and I just feel like I've been really lucky to be able to do what I love for so long.
"There's always a lot of ups and downs in professional sport and when I reflect on my career it's the overarching love for the sport which I realise is what kept me going."
His retirement comes as the Kookaburras move into a new era under incoming coach Mark Hager following Colin Batch's eight-year reign, and with Aran Zalewski and long-time goalkeeper Andrew Charter also retired.
Ockenden was able to stay remarkably injury-free amid the fierce intensity of international hockey competition.
"I ruptured my kidney when I was about 15 and that was pretty traumatic and I think at the time I thought well that will be me then, I don't really need to have any more injuries, and fortunately, I didn't."
While he didn't get a fairytale finish as the Kookaburras missed out on the medals in Paris but he had no regrets.
"There was a lot to like about 2024. I still can't wrap my head around carrying the flag for Australia in Paris and at my fifth Olympic Games.
"Being able to represent the community and the sport that I love so much was a proud moment, even if unfortunately, it didn't go well for us at the end of the Games."
