Simon Naughtin will be playing for gold in the indoor hockey championships.
Camera IconSimon Naughtin will be playing for gold in the indoor hockey championships. Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey d476735

Beechboro hockey star Simon Naughtin keen to net some goals for Australia

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

BEECHBORO hockey striker Simon Naughtin has set his sights on scoring goals and helping WA win gold in his second under-18s indoor national championships after overcoming a groin injury.

The 18-year-old was selected for the second year in a row for the state team which will fly over to Goulburn, NSW, to compete against Australia’s best juniors in January.

Naughtin, who started playing hockey when he was seven, said his selection made his year.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“It feels unreal; I am really excited for it,” he said.

“I hope I am more confident on the ball because last year I was a bit nervous, but I did score a goal as a striker.

“Considering we got silver last year, I think we have a much better team than last year (so) we should get gold.”

The Old Guildford Mundaring Hockey Club member said despite preferring indoor hockey over outdoor, his long-term goal was to join the Australian Kookaburras squad.

“I will try to be one of the better strikers in the outdoor competition,” he said.

“Or even see if I can make the Australian squad, the Kookaburras.

“Each club gets a Kookaburra in a draft, so when I train with the men’s I get to train with two of them (Kookaburras) and that is pretty cool.”

Nauthtin, who is also a triathlete, said he loved hockey because of the thrill of scoring goals, winning and getting to make new friends.

MORE: Taylor Swift to kick off 2018 tour at Optus Stadium

MORE: Man’s body recovered after drowning at Red Hill

MORE: Bertram man arrested after alleged assaults, vandalism