Kookaburras rocket into top four, remain unbeaten at the FIH Pro League in Europe

The Kookaburras have surged to fourth on the FIH Pro League standings, after unleashing a clinical, high-pressure performance to down India 3-2 and remain unbeaten as they continue their FIH Pro League title defence in Europe.

Less than 24 hours after their dramatic come-from-behind win over India the night before, the Kookaburras unleashed more firepower, as prolific goalscorer Blake Govers marked his return to international competition for the first time since the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

It took the NSW striker just five minutes to find the back of the net with a trademark rocketing strike to score his 155th goal in 168 appearances. 

"It's awesome to be back, the boys got around me and to get that first clutch, first goal was pretty nice," Blake Govers said.

"I would've liked to have gotten a few more! But it's been a disjointed year and it's just good to be back playing. Everything's behind me, the body's feeling 100%, and I'm looking forward to the rest of this tournament."

His goal came at a pivotal moment for Australia, as they answered to India's early lead with aggressive pace.

India, reeling from five consecutive FIH Pro League defeats, opened with fury through Sanjay, who struck early from a penalty corner to claim a 1-0 lead inside three minutes. 

But the Kookaburras answered back immediately, with Tim Brand deftly deflecting a sublime Ky Willott strike before Govers’ solo effort flipped the match.

After three goals in three minutes, Australia were in full control with a 2-1 lead, applying relentless first-half pressure, and earning penalty corner after penalty corner, which soon culminated in their third goal. 

Showing their versatility at the penalty corner, Victoria's Cooper Burns rifled home a strike to score his fourth goal in just ten international outings, since his debut in February earlier this year.

At halftime, the Kookaburras looked in total control, playing a classic brand of Australian hockey, dominating possession, circle entries, and scoring opportunities, and producing one of their best halves of the year.

India clawed one back in the third quarter through Dilpreet Singh, sparking hopes of a comeback. But despite a late surge and even pulling their goalkeeper in a final desperate push, they couldn’t find the equaliser. Australia’s defence held firm, sealing another hard-earned win.

"We're really pleased with that, it was an intense match, and that's what we expect in a game against India, it's always back and forth, and we've played them a lot over the last few years," Player of the Match Nathan Ephraums told 7plus.

"We have a really good connection, with guys remaining from last year and the new guys who have come in this year with their energy. We're playing with a lot of freedom and we're really loving it out there... we enjoy winning and it was a really good game."

"It's great to see these young guys bring modern skills that are exciting, our defenders are taking it on, as well as the speed we have up the midfield. We have guys who have X factor. It's exciting and we just need to keep bringing it," Blake added.

The Kookaburras' European campaign has gained serious momentum. They sit in fourth on the FIH Pro League standings with 18 points, just one point behind Belgium in third.

Attention quickly turns to Ireland, with a day to rest and recover before game one of back-to-back matches. Game one hits off at 9.30pm AWST / 11.30pm AEST on Tuesday night, live and free on 7plus.

Full FIH Pro League fixtures & results

Kookaburras v India
Kookaburras: 3 (Tim Brand 4" (FG), Blake Govers 5" (FG), Cooper Burns 18" (PC))
India: 2 (Sanjay 3" (PC), Dilpreet Singh 36" (FG))
Sportcentrum Wilrijkse Plein, Antwerp

Kookaburras: 2. Tom Craig, 5. Cooper Burns, 7. Nathan Ephraums, 12. Jed Snowden (gk), 13. Blake Govers, 16. Tim Howard, 17. Tom Harvie, 19. Craig Marais, 20. Ky Willott, 25. Nathan Czinner, 26. James Collins, 28. Ash Thomas (gk), 29. Tim Brand, 32. Jeremy Hayward (c), 33. Hayden Beltz, 36. Anand Gupte, 48. Davis Atkin, 61. Ben White
Kookaburras FIH Pro League UK/Europe Tour Schedule

Antwerp, Belgium
Tuesday, June 17 – 11.30pm AEST / 9.30pm AWST – Kookaburras v Ireland
Wednesday, June 18 – 11.30pm AEST / 9.30pm AWST – Ireland v Kookaburras

London, England
Sunday, June 22 – 12.30am AEST / 10.30pm AWST (Sat June 21) – England v Kookaburras
Sunday, June 22 – 11.30pm AEST / 9.30pm AWST - England v Kookaburras

Berlin, Germany
Wednesday, June 25 – 3.30am AEST / 1.30am AWST – Germany v Kookaburras
Thursday, June 26 - 3.30am AEST / 1.30am AWST – Germany v Kookaburras