It has been a long, winding and rewarding journey for Ferguson Valley hockey star Jake Harvie.
Harvie was one of four Western Australian hockey players recently picked for the 18-man Kookaburras’ side to play in March’s Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
Aran Zalewski (Margaret River), Tyler Lovell (Forrestfield) and Trent Mitton (South Perth) will also travel to Malaysia with the squad.
Australia will take on England before locking horns with Malaysia, India, the Republic of Ireland, and Rio Olympics Gold Medallists Argentina during the tournament.
The tournament adopts a round robin format, with the top two teams set to face off in the final.
With it being the Kookaburras’ last tournament ahead of the Commonwealth Games, the side is looking to make an impression.
Harvie said he was excited to showcase his talents during the tournament.
He said the side was focused on gold over the next few months.
“We’re really ramping it [training] up now in the lead up to Azlan Shah, the Commonwealth Games and the World Cup at the end of the year,” he said.
The competition comes in a busy time for Harvie and the Kookaburras.
Harvie made his debut for the side in November 2017, called up to compete in the International Festival of Hockey in Victoria.
He was then selected to travel to India to represent Australia in the World League Finals last December.
The side clinched the Finals before taking on the Netherlands in a four-match test series in Perth and Narrogin.
Reflecting upon the three events, Harvie was eternally grateful to be donning the Kookaburras’ jersey and to represent the country.
“It was always a goal for me and a dream, it was something I had been working towards for quite a while,” he said.
“That had always been the motivation and the desire, and I am very fortunate to be getting the opportunity at the moment.
“It’s been a whirlwind for me, I have been very lucky to have been given these opportunities at the moment. It’s very exciting and I am looking forward to any more opportunities to come down the track.”
Inspired by his family’s undying love of hockey, Harvie first played the sport at the age of four.
He then played for the Boyanup Hockey Club throughout his junior career and for four years in the senior side.
After moving to Perth, Harvie took up a spot with the Westside Wolves Hockey Club.
Among his many achievements last year, Harvie also made his debut for the WA Thundersticks in the Australian Hockey League Championships.