Workies’ grand final triumph was the perfect tonic for Tamworth star Ehren Hazell as he prepares to wear the green and gold.
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Hazell was an instrumental figure in Workies wresting back the men’s first grade silverware and duly named the player of the grand final.
It’s the second time he has won the Butch Southwell Medal after receiving the accolade for his performance in their 5-3 extra-time win over South United in 2016.
Sunday’s victory was a bit more comprehensive with Workies accounting for Tudor Wests 4-nil.
Hazell scored Workies’ second goal as they established a 2-nil lead mid-way through the first half, but it was in defence that he made his biggest impact.
The 19-year old was brilliant at the back, constantly shutting down Tudors’ raids.
“I felt as though we were defending the whole game.
“We knew we could score goals, the only way we were going to win was to keep a clean sheet,” Hazell said.
They went into the game with a mantra of “no goals” and satisfyingly achieved that.
It was Hazell’s fifth premiership with Workies, and was all the sweeter for the disappointment of last year’s extra-time loss to Kiwis.
Moving down to Sydney this year, Hazell wasn’t able to play for Workies as regularly as recent years. He subsequently paid credit to the hard work his team-mates put in throughout the season to get them to the grand final.
It (grand final) is usually the climax of the season but for Hazell things are only heating up.
He flies out next week to play for the Australian under-21s at the Sultan of Johor Cup in Malaysia.
Part of the Burras side defeated beat Great Britain 2-nil in the final last year, Hazell has a good idea of what to expect.
One of the toughest things he found last year was the humidity.
“You lose six kilograms in sweat a game. It’s what kills you,” he said.
Last year’s tournament was his first time wearing the green and gold and he can’t wait to don it again.
“We pretty much have the core from last year’s side so we should have the same expectations,” Hazell said.
“This year we’re looking to make it three-in-a-row”.
He will push back up to the front for the Burras, his versatility one of his many strengths.
The timing of the tournament, which will run from October 6-13, will though mean Hazell will miss the first two rounds of the Australian Hockey League after being selected in the NSW Waratahs side.
It will be his first taste of the AHL and will be an ‘interesting’ experience.
“They’ve got all new rules,” he said.
The rule changes include games reverting from 35 minute halves to 12-minute quarters, conversions being offered after goals and two five-minute power plays where sides drop two players.