The pair, who played for Victoria in the over-45s and 35s age groups at the national tournament, were selected in the same age groups for the Australian Masters Hockey Team for the Trans Tasman Challenge April and May, 2019 on the Gold Coast .

It will be the first time for both players to pull on the green and gold for their country in a three-game series against New Zealand.

Ballard, who captained Victoria’s over-35s side, was selected in a leadership role after showing her leadership skills at the recent carnival in Bunbury.

The 36-year-old striker-midfielder, who scored six goals in seven games at the national championships, said she was ready for a new challenge.

“It will be a step up from what I have previously done and I like the challenge it brings,” Ballard said. “I like to think I have a calm leadership style and this will be helpful for me and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Rowe, who scored two goals as a midfielder in Bunbury, said she was blissfully unaware her name was going to be called out.

“I didn’t recognise that they had called my name out to start with,” the 46-year-old said. “I was sitting there thinking I had a good tournament and I was happy that I had given myself the best opportunity and if I hadn’t been selected I was happy. 

“When I heard my name I was completely filled with excitement and the last two years of work was rewarded.”