The 44-year-old, who was this week named as one of five representatives from Warrnambool and District Hockey Association to make state masters teams this week, said her aim was to make the national team bound for next year’s world championships.

Rowe, a midfielder, will play alongside defender Therese Burke and striker Anna Dyson in the over 45s women’s team, while Rosie Ballard has been selected for the over 35s women and Chris Thompson has been picked in the over 60s men’s division two team.

The national championships double as a trial for the Australian team.

Last year, Rowe was named as a ‘shadow’ player, or emergency.

This year, as she steps up an age group, she hopes to go one better.

“It’s the first step, being named in the state team,” she said.

“What I really want to do this year is make the (national) squad.

“The world cup is in Spain next year and it’s to play against the best 45 in the world – it’s almost like the masters’ version of the Olympics.

“It’s definitely what I’ve been training to be working on for the last three years.”

The Australian Women’s Masters’ Championship will be held in Newcastle from September 29 – October 7.

The men’s championship will be held in Hobart from September 23 – October 7.