I must admit im a very huge fan of hockey. Though my interest has diminished a bit of late due to the demise of the great Super Powers of the 80′s and 90′s in Pakistan and India.In those days the Australians (Kookaburras) under the leadership of the legendary Rick Charlesworth always came up a bit short in the Olympics.They were always the heart breakers of us hockey fans.Though in my time of watching the game. I have seen some fantastic players.Most notably the freakish skills of the famous Pakistani number 9 Shabbaz Ahmed Snr and the fearsome courage coupled with his sublime skill of the Indian Dhanraj Pillay.Then in recent time the great Dutch striker Teun De Nooijer and the great Indian player Prabhjot Singh.Not only known for his reputation as a lightning quick attacker,but also for him ‘acknowledging’ the crowd……Other great players such as Shakeel Abbasi and Santi Freixa are fun to watch too.Though all these are great name, but the question I pose is…Where does the great Australian player Jamie Dwyer rank amongst them?He is a 3 time winner of the Worlds best hockey player in 04/07 and 09Then this year he was at the forefront of the Australian team winning the World Cup against the German’s. In a truly pulsating game of hockey won 2/1 by the Kookaburra’s.In which he co captained the team.Thus ending the previous two runner up heart aches when they were favourites.Previously he helped slay another Aussie demon. When he was famously hit the winning goal in extra time of the Olympic final of 04 against the Dutch in Athens.Thus ending years of frustration and heart breaks over the Australian near misses at the Olympics in mens hockey.
He is a true nightmare for defenders with his great pace and skill being able to unlock defenders and truly make them look silly.He has been a truly prolific goal scorer with 160 in his 254 International games.Also he has that rarely mentioned element that all great sportsmen have in regards to great heart.That truly makes him a fearsome sight for opponents on the hockey field!So I ask you all how do you rate him?For me definitely Shabbaz Ahmed Snr of Pakistan is the best I have seen,but Dywer though not in that league for few were,but is a very fine player indeed.
He would definitely be in the top 5 of players I have seen!
