HOCKEY: Both the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras claimed wins over Great Britain on the weekend, before players were honoured at the 2018 Hockeyroos and Kookaburras Player of the Year awards.

The Kookaburras defeated Great Britain 2-0, claiming back-to-back wins at Perth Hockey Stadium on Saturday, while the Hockeyroos continued their impressive form, also taking out the win with a 3-0 victory over the reigning Olympic champions.

After their victories on the field, the winners of the prestigious 2018 Hockeyroos and Kookaburras Player of the Year awards were announced with Jodie Kenny and Aran Zalewski taking out 'Player of the Year.'

More than 150 people were in attendance for the evening at the Flour Factory in Perth.

Kenny scooped the pool of the Hockeyroos awards, winning both the Player of the Year and the Top Goal Scorer awards for 2018.

The 31-year-old Queensland defender, who brought up her 200th cap in 2018, won the Player of the Year ahead of goalkeeper Rachael Lynch and midfielder Renee Taylor.

Kenny, who was also recently appointed Hockeyroos co-captain, scored the side’s most goals in 2018 with nine strikes, ahead of Rosie Malone (six) and Brooke Peris (five).

WA’s Zalewski claimed the Kookaburras Player of the Year after a strong year where he also won the Champions Trophy Player of the Tournament and was appointed co-captain following Mark Knowles’ retirement.

Zalewski, who also brought up his 150th cap in 2018, won the Player of the Year ahead of fellow co-captain Eddie Ockenden and defender Matthew Swann.

NSW’s Blake Govers won the Kookaburras’ Top Goal Scorer award for 2018 with 17 strikes, ahead of Trent Mitton (15) and Dylan Wotherspoon (10).

Numerous debutants were recognised on the night, along with athletes achieving milestones in 2018 and those who were part of the Commonwealth Games sides which won gold and silver medals.

Award winners

Hockeyroos Player of the Year
1.         Jodie Kenny
2.         Rachael Lynch
3.         Renee Taylor

Kookaburras Player of the Year
1.         Aran Zalewski
2.         Eddie Ockenden
3.         Matthew Swann

Hockeyroos Top Goal Scorer
1.         Jodie Kenny (9)
2.         Rosie Malone (6)
3.         Brooke Peris (5)

Kookaburras Top Goal Scorer
1.         Blake Govers (17)
2.         Trent Mitton (15)
3.         Dylan Wotherspoon (10)

Hockey Australia/olympics.com.au