Grant in full flight for the Australian Masters team
He may have a little less hair than when he won a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics but he still knows how to cause ‘havoc’ for any defence trying to contain his ‘thirst’ for scoring goals. But what is more amazing he is still playing for his country 18 years after earning a Olympic bronze medal. A feat that puts him in the hockey category…‘one of a kind’.
There have been other Australian hockey players who have continued their representative playing after retiring from National senior teams to play Masters Hockey for their country however Grant is from the modern era of field hockey that is played on synthetic surfaces. National players in the modern era, as opposed to the ‘grass playing era’, play more representative games which are ‘taxing’. As a result this type of National player retires early from hockey playing once his or her National ‘days’ are finished. Some move into the coaching arena while others leave one of the few sports where you can continue to play into your retirement years and still aspire to represent your country (Masters hockey.
Since his Atlanta days Grant has achieved a number of firsts. He was captain of the inaugural over 35’s Queensland team that played NSW in what became the forerunner to the now established Australian Masters Over 35 Hockey Championships. Then in 2012 he captained the Australian Masters Hockey over 40’s team that participated in the first FIH sanctioned World Cup for Masters hockey. He returns this year to the 2014 World Cup for Masters Hockey. This event coincides with the 2nd FIH Masters Hockey World Cup, an event that takes place at the Hockey Club Rotterdam, the Netherlands, June 5 – 13 2014. The tournament is an official site event of the Rabobank Hockey World Cup, to be held in The Hague (May 31 – June 15 2014).
Competing in this tournament will be both women’s and men’s teams in age categories 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+ and 60+ (women only). The FIH Masters Hockey World Cup 2014 is jointly organised by the International Masters Hockey Association, Hockey Club Rotterdam, and the Royal Dutch Hockey Association.
Go Hockey News caught up with Grant in his home town of Ballina where he and his family are an integral part of the Ballina Hockey Association.
Grant with his wife Ebony and the ‘pride’ of their lives, their three, larger than life’ daughters
1. What are you doing with yourself these days?
I have a number of interests. My primary focus is a constructions consultancy firm that is involved in the accommodation sector. Its core business is delivering solutions to the affordable housing market on both economic and social platforms.
My wife and I (Ebony) also run the Just Hockey Agency in Ballina and continue to look at expansion opportunities through the health and fitness industry.
Ebony and Grant have opened a Just Hockey Agency in Ballina
2. How do you spend your non hockey time?
I have a beautiful wife and three beautiful daughters. Family is priority with spare time so things like water skiing, biking, walking, eating are all favourites. The gaps get filled pretty quickly and just being with the girls is my greatest gift. They make me laugh and sometimes cry, they are the reason I continue to stay fit and healthy.
3. Can you outline your playing profile and major achievements?
Clubs:
Canberra – Central / United
Brisbane – Norths / Commercial / Valleys / Kedron Wavell
Perth – North Coast Raiders
Grant Smith (Commercial v’s Norths A grade)
State representation (years good if you can)
Under 13 1983 – 1984
Under 15 1985-1986
Under 17 1988
Under 21 1990 – 1992
Seniors (Nationals / NHL) 1991 – 1999
Australia
Under 21 1991-1992
Seniors 1993 – 1996
Qld / Australia Masters
Over 35 State 2007 – 2010
Over 40 State 2011 – 2014
Over 40 National 2012 – 2014
4. Describe your greatest hockey moments?
Obviously for me the Olympic Bronze in Atlanta in 1996 but equal to that would be the time spent at club level and the success attained at various times. Each occasion holds a special moment in time.
5. What do you value as a hockey participant?
Much of my youth was spent with so many great coaches who mentored me for so many years. People that come to mind are individuals like Ted Spice, Neil Hawgood, Bruce Robertson. Later in life people like Greg Morgan and Steven Lancaster.
I have a great respect for the no bullshit approach and these people typified the spirit and passion of the game of hockey.
6. What has playing masters hockey meant to you?
It is a fantastic place to be able to participate on a level where there are no boundaries. Where a bloke you played with 25 years earlier can again run beside you and post game share a beer and times past
7. What has the game of hockey given you?
I would like to think it has given me many things : the ability to travel, network , critical life skills and friendships to mention a few
8. What are you now doing to stay involved in hockey?
I continue to play Div 1 seniors hockey because I am motivated by the youth and in particular the region I am from the tremendous attitude they have.
Whilst still having the ability to run you never stop learning and that is the beauty of a sport like hockey. Boundaries can be broken and competing keeps me physically and mentally in shape.
9. Many past Australian players are no longer involved in hockey – why do you think this is?
A number of reasons I think. There are some where their bodies have folded after so many years of exposure to the game but more so it is my opinion that it is more a mental position. Sadly the importance of hockey becomes secondary to their life choices. I would love to see more past Australian players involved but it is yet to be seen.
10. Where do you see the future of hockey going
I believe this question has so many answers. At a community level / juniors / schools etc I think there is a real opportunity for growth particularly through regional areas.
Hockey needs to be sold as a family sport, clubs associations need to focus on the social aspects of their organisations. We will always have a catchment of children come to the sport but it is how we retain them.
On a National level we are seeing sports now adapting to make their sports quicker ad shorter increasing the public interest and improving viewing, i.e., Cricket / rugby / League etc. The sport needs to work further with the 5 and 7 formats. (A view that Go Hockey News fully supports )
11. How does the current Australian Hockey player compare to when you were playing
Comparisons are interesting. All sports have them but it is difficult. The game now has a different approach. Coaching techniques vary. I believe we all have the same desire and passion to perform. I have a great deal of respect for anyone that pulls on the green and gold.
12. Have you enjoyed playing masters hockey and are you looking forward to again representing Australia at the World Masters Cup
I think anytime and at any level you are given the opportunity to wear your countries’ colours is a great honour to be bestowed. I love the battle, standing beside your mate and giving it everything you have. So typically Australian but so ‘True’!
13. Finally how long would you like to keep playing?
As the saying goes…… ‘As long as the body lets me’
Go Hockey News wishes Grant an even longer representative career, and hopes more National elite players will join him to be ambassadors and role models for our sport in showing how hockey is truly a life-long sport.
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