Kookaburras captain and talismanic superstar Jamie Dwyer believes Olympic bronze medallists Australia will remain among hockey's world leaders for at least 10 to 20 years, but he may only be around for the next two.
Dwyer was once again the heartbeat of an Australian team that entered the London Games as favourites, only to suffer a stunning 4-2 semi-final loss to eventual champions Germany.
He was the team's highest goalscorer with six, the equal-second highest tally in the tournament.
The Kookaburras rebounded to earn the bronze medal with a 3-1 win over Great Britain, but ended the tournament with conflicting emotions.
"I think there was a bit of a sense of a letdown, especially from the older guys that have been in it for such a long time now and we've won everything over the last four years," Dwyer told AAP in Sydney on Wednesday after arriving back from London.
"In saying that the Germans are a really good team and unfortunately they got the better of us on that day.
"We're pretty happy, but obviously a little bit disappointed as well."
He was bullish about Australia's prospects under the continuing guidance of coach Ric Charlesworth.
"I think there's a lot of good younger players, I think this experience would have helped us a lot," Dwyer said.
"If we just keep the program going and Ric is coaching the next two years, if he keeps using a big squad of players, we're going to be in the top three or four teams in the world, hopefully for the next 10-20 years, hopefully longer.
"We're very proud of our history and I'm sure these young guys at the next Olympics in Rio will be able to step up."
Dwyer, 33, said he would take a couple of months off and talk to his wife and Charlesworth before deciding whether to extend a fabulous international career, during which he has been named World Player of the Year on five occasions.
"He (Charlesworth) hinted to me he would like me to keep going `til the World Cup in two years time, but I'm not too sure," Dwyer said.
"My body feels good. Mentally I feel pretty good, I think I could do it.
"It's just a matter if it fits in with my wife and I enjoy it and there's probably a chance I'll keep going for two more years."
HOME
RSS