Slattery and Hockeyroos eye Olympic qualification

South Stirling-raised hockey star Kathryn Slattery has been named to play for the Hockeyroos as they embark on qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio at this month's Hockey World League semifinal in Belgium.

Slattery, who played locally for Tigers and Manypeaks, has made 15 appearances and scored four goals since her debut for the women's national side last year.

The 21-year-old was part of the Hockeyroos' agonising Champions Trophy loss to Argentina and is one of only three players named in the World League squad not part of the Hockeyroos World Cup or Commonwealth Games success in 2014.

The Hockeyroos depart for Antwerp tomorrow where they will play off against nine other teams from June 20 to July 5, the top three sides qualifying for the upcoming Olympic Games.

In pool B the Hockeyroos have drawn New Zealand Black Sticks, hosts Belgium, India and Poland, while pool A is made up of Netherlands, Korea, Japan, Italy and Azerbaijan.

Teams play pool opponents once each and the top four from each pool progress to the quarterfinals.

The other World League Semifinal tournament starting on June 10 in Spain will feature the likes of Argentina, Germany, Great Britain and China. The top three from that competition will also qualify for the Olympics.

The Hockeyroos begin their quest for Olympic Games qualification against Poland on June 21.

They will play two uncapped practice matches against Japan and Korea in the build-up to the tournament.

Wagin's Ashleigh Nelson is also in the Hockeyroos squad.