Steph Kershaw and Kaitlin Nobbs (Hockey).
Camera IconSteph Kershaw and Kaitlin Nobbs (Hockey). Credit: Supplied/Supplied

WA says farewell to Commonwealth Games team with lunch

Bryce LuffMelville Gazette

IT was the late 1850s when the first miners took both their hopes and dreams to Queensland in search of gold.

Now, more than 150 years on, athletes from around the world have begun pouring into the Gold Coast, again in search of precious metal.

West Australia’s Commonwealth Games contingent were today sent off in style.

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The group, including the athletics squad, hockey teams, netballers and swimmers, were bid farewell at a luncheon at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Blair Evans (Swimmer).
Camera IconBlair Evans (Swimmer). Credit: Supplied/Supplied
Andrew Charter and Aran Zalewski (Hockey).
Camera IconAndrew Charter and Aran Zalewski (Hockey). Credit: Supplied/Supplied
Ashlea Fey and Grace Stewart (Hockey).
Camera IconAshlea Fey and Grace Stewart (Hockey). Credit: Supplied/Supplied
Nina Kennedy (Pole Vault).
Camera IconNina Kennedy (Pole Vault). Credit: Supplied/Supplied
Chrissie Banwell and Zac Incerti (swimmer).
Camera IconChrissie Banwell and Zac Incerti (swimmer). Credit: Supplied/Supplied

With Australia claiming the previous three women’s hockey gold medals, Hockeyroos star Stephanie Kershaw said the aim was clear.

“To be honest I’d be pretty disappointed with anything other than gold,” she said.

“I think we have the team that can do really well and should do really well.

“It depends on the day, what happens during the game, but I think with the team we have we’re definitely going for gold.”

Pole vaulter Nina Kennedy, who in February set a new PB of 4.71m before clearing 4.6m at the World Indoor Championships to place eighth, said she “would love to finish on the podium”.

“I would love to jump a consistent 4.60 like I’ve been jumping all season,” she said.

“But also if I jump my best, no matter what placing I get, I’ll be happy.

“Anything can happen on the day – the weather, the favourite could bail out, I could bail out, anything could happen.”

The Games run April 4 to April 15.

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