Injuries spell end for McGurk

The Willetton resident said her long list of injuries hindered her ability to continue playing for the Hockeyroos.

‘My passion and love for the game of hockey was never lost,’ she said.

‘My ability to commit to the program in its entirety was.’

The announcement came after McGurk won the peer-voted Hockeyroo of the Year award last month for her performance in 2012.

‘It’s a bit hard to tell sometimes with these awards, so I wasn’t really sure how I would go,’ she said.

‘Obviously it is a huge honour and privilege, and something that I am very proud of.’

McGurk played in the Super Series last month after having a year off the field due to her second knee reconstruction.

‘There were definitely some mixed emotions there though, given I have spent the last 11 months out of action.’

Her major achievements included the 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medal, 2006 World Cup silver medal, selection in the 2011 International Hockey Federation All-Star Team and 2012 Hockeyroos player of the year.

The 28-year-old also represented Australia at the Beijing and London Olympics and two world cups.

‘It was great to have such a rich success and be part of a well-known team,’ she said.

She moved to Perth from Collie to study physical education at Edith Cowan University.

Hockeyroos coach Adam Commens said it would be hard to replace McGurk.

‘However, there comes a time in everyone’s career where they have to make a decision about their life moving forward and this decision has been weighing on her mind for some time now,’ Commens said.