MATT Huf returned to Australia with a bronze medal in his keeping but it’s the invaluable leadership experience the emerging hockey player gathered at the international tournament he’s most excited about.
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The Woolsthorpe-based defender arrived home last week after representing Australia Country’s under 21 team at the Oceanic Pacific Cup in Fiji.
Huf, 20, will enter his third Victorian Premier League pre-season with Altona eager to put his new leadership skills into practice.
“It was a good experience and good to see how other cultures play and good to get a bit of international experience for myself,” he said of the 14-day tour.
“We had a good group of guys this year and I stepped up and took a leadership role which was good.
“I was vice-captain so that was pretty cool.
“I had a really good game against New Zealand when we played them and just tried to do my job.”
Australia Country defeated Papua New Guinea 6-1 in the bronze medal play-off.
“We beat them in a pool game 12-0 so we weren’t expecting to lose it,” Huf said.
Huf was elated to collect a medal but felt Australia Country let a golden opportunity slip.
“The top two teams were pretty good. We should have been in the final to be honest,” he said.
“We were pretty unlucky not to make it. We lost in a shootout to Fiji.
“We were two-nil up against them with five minutes to go and they came back and drew and won the shootout.
“They got into the final and played New Zealand and New Zealand beat them.”
justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au
