Residents of the Goulburn Valley are gearing up for the Hockey Australia National Country Championships, following a blockbuster game between Essendon and Altona at McEwan Reserve on Saturday.
Players, coaches and officials arrived in Shepparton last week to show to off to locals the highest level of hockey in Australia.
The game is a mere teaser for the forthcoming 2019 Hockey Australia National Country Championships, which will run from August 3-11 at Shepparton Sports City.
The event, which was first played as a men’s only competition in 1982, will bring together 12 teams across both genders, with approximately 250 participants plus supporters.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor Kim O’Keeffe said: “It is wonderful that Greater Shepparton is able to host yet another fabulous national event in our region.
“Bringing so many people from around Australia to play hockey at our new $21 million Shepparton Sports City facility has enabled us to host amazing events such as these.
“Events such as these are fantastic to strengthen our reputation as the sporting event capital of regional Australia and keeping the local economy strong and businesses busy.”
