FORMER mentor David Willott believes Matt Dawson’s goal-scoring heroics for Australia at the World League Finals has him on track to play a key role at the Rio Olympics.
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Dawson scored the second goal for Australia in the 2-1 win over Belgium on Monday (AEDT) in the decider in Raipur, India.
His drag-flick in the 37th minute put Australian 2-0 up after Jeremy Hayward scored in the 16th. Belgium scored in the 60th minute via Simon Gougnard but Australia held on for the win.
Dawson’s goal gave him three for the tournament after he was given a crucial role as one of the Kookaburras’ go-to men at penalty corners. It was a breakthrough effort for Dawson, who is coming to the end of his first year in the senior national program.
Two years ago, Dawson was man of the match for Norths in their Hunter Coast Premier League Hockey grand final win over Souths.
Willott, who coached Dawson through his teenage years at Norths, said it had “been a real buzz” to watch the 21-year-old defender shine on the world stage.
“Chris Ciriello wasn’t selected and Blake Govers was injured, and that has given Dawso an opportunity to step up and have a go at corners, and he’s taken it,” Willott said. “I’ve watched all their games and I’ve been really impressed with how he’s played. He’s really stood up and he should be where he needs to be for Rio.
“There were a few in front of him, but this will stand him in good stead - scoring goals in big games against quality teams.”
Dawson scored his other goals also from penalty corners, in the 4-1 quarter-final win over Germany and 6-0 victory over Canada.
Maitland’s Simon Orchard was another key player for Australia in India, where they also played a pre-tournament three-Test series against the hosts.
Now a 187-game star for Australia, Orchard was returning from a short break to deal with anxiety issues and was not picked for the World League Finals. An injury to Jake Whetton then opened the door for Orchard.
Coach Graham Reid was pleased Dawson was among the scorers.
“It was quite apt that both the guys who scored tonight were our young guys,” Reid said. “It’s been a long trip here in India and for them to be able to put it together at the business end is pleasing.”
Meanwhile, Teralba’s Mariah Williams started in the Hockeyroos’ 2-1 win over hosts Argentina on Monday at the World League Finals. Georgina Morgan’s penalty corner on the final siren sealed victory for Australia, who face Great Britain on Wednesday.
