Russell Ford has been around long enough to feel like a “veteran” now. The prolific goal scorer, on whom the legendary Ric Charlesworth had a big influence, knows his role well in the world No. 1 Australian team which is going through a period of transition.
Russell, who has won a Champions Trophy gold (2012), a World Cup silver (2006) and an Olympic bronze (2012), thinks changes are inevitable and accommodating youngsters in the side is part of the process to move on.
“You quickly become one of the veterans of the team. It comes up on you all of a sudden. I try not to do things very differently. I help out the younger guys whenever I can by giving advice. I think it is important you enjoy the game and show them how you have gone about the business in a very effective manner,” said the 31-year-old, who is in the profession of managing players.
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After toiling hard in a practice match against Argentina in the run-up to the Champions Trophy at the Kalinga Stadium here on Thursday, Russell said he was happy to be back in the Aussie side after missing this year's World Cup and Commonwealth Games owing to a calf tear.
On the change at the helm in his team, with Graham Reid taking over from Charlesworth, Russell said, “We have a new coach, but he has been part of the group for the last 6-7 years. There are minor changes here and there but most things remain the same. Even if we didn’t change the coaches, we would definitely be making some changes because if you don’t (change) then people go past you.
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“The transition has been good. Although the young guys have not played that many matches, they have been involved in the national training camps for a while. They have done all the hard work and are ready to take the next step.”
Russell was also comfortable with the change in format, featuring four quarters instead of two halves. “Being in quarters now, you probably get more breaks in the game. You stay fresher. If you want to play high-intensity hockey, this format helps. However, in the end, it hasn’t changed that much because with the rolling substitution we were getting breaks in the past as well.”
The Aussie hoped that the new format would commercially benefit hockey and make it a popular sport on television.