Casey is our hockey hopeful

JOEL RITCHIE

IF ONE week this year reminds Hockeyroo Casey Eastham of home, this might be it.

The 19-year-old celebrated her birthday yesterday (Wednesday) and was named the Shellharbour City Sports Assistance Funds Sports Star of 2007 on Saturday night.

Casey, an Albion Park junior, couldn’t attend the ceremony or celebrate her birthday with friends and family as she is living in Perth with the rest of the 22-member Australian hockey squad.

Casey is sorely missed by the tight-knit Albion Park hockey community and of course her mum, Janette, who accepted the sport star of the year trophy on her behalf.

Casey is vying for a spot in the 16-member Hockeyroos squad for the Beijing Olympic Games, which will be announced in June.

The Australian Hockey League, which starts on Monday, and May’s Champions Trophy will be Casey’s last chances to impress coach Frank Murray before the Olympic Gmes quad is selected.

“There’s two months until the team is named so every performance and training session counts,” Casey said.

Casey is the “baby” of the Hockeyroos squad but doesn’t think age will play a role in her selection.

“I don’t think my age will be a factor – it comes down to how I train and play.

“No one is guaranteed a spot; it will all come down to who plays well in the AHL and in Germany.”

And if “Casey Eastham” is read out?

“It would be incredible … I’m trying to put that to the side at the moment,” Casey said.

“Hopefully I will be around friends and family so I can celebrate.

Casey headed west 11 months ago to live full-time as a member of the Hockeyroos squad.

She was home for two months over Christmas and New Year and had four one-week stops during the past year.

However, with 2008 an Olympic year, Casey will most likely be camped in Perth until at least after the games.

“I miss home and my family and my friends … it was hard to leave,” she said.

“If I have a bad week it is impossible to jump on the plane and come back home.

“If I make the team for Beijing it will all be worthwhile.”

Casey was philosophical about the prospect of missing the squad for Beijing.

“There will be other opportunities … I am the youngest in the squad after all,” she said.

Saturday’s win came after Casey won junior sports star of the year awards for 2005 and 2006.

Last year was a powerhouse year for the Albion Park junior; she played for the NSW Arrows and was player of the tournament at the under 21 national championships.

Casey played for the Hockeyroos against Japan, the Olympic qualifying series and a four-nation tournament in Beijing. Now, it’s a case of getting back there.