Mitton calls an end to time with Kookaburras

Olympic silver medallist and triple Commonwealth Games gold medal winning Kookaburra Trent Mitton has announced his retirement from international hockey.

A veteran of 181 appearances and 82 goals across an international career that started in May 2010, Mitton retires having been part of many successful Kookaburras teams on the world stage.

Mitton, who turns 31 on Friday, was a member of the Kookaburras’ silver medal winning team at this year’s Tokyo Olympics and the inaugural FIH Pro League title in 2019 among a host of other triumphs.

He also won gold medals at three consecutive Commonwealth Games, the last being on the Gold Coast in 2018 where he had a standout tournament scoring six goals.

Since the Tokyo Olympics, Mitton has been playing club hockey in the Netherlands before recently returning home to Perth ahead of the birth of his first child.

After deliberating on the decision to retire and where he is at in this stage of his career, Mitton says he is content with calling time on his days with the Kookaburras.

“Over the last couple of days I have been thinking about it and reminiscing,” said Mitton.

“I am really proud of what I have accomplished – the three Commonwealth Games gold medals, Olympic silver medal, 2018 World Cup…now it is time for some younger guys to have a go at it and I’m really happy to be moving on.”

Forging the career and achieving the success he has had, Mitton dedicated over a decade pushing himself to be the best hockey player he could and continually striving with those around him to make the Kookaburras the best team in the world.

Mitton says the absence of what he has invested so much time and energy in is the hardest part to come to terms with.

“Coming to the realisation that I won’t be involved and be part of that day to day Kookaburras environment is probably the thing I am struggling with the most right now,” said Mitton.

“It is something that has been part of my life for 11 years and something you think about every day during that time.

“The mates I’m not going to see every day and the good times we share is what I’ll miss the most. It is a bit of a scary feeling knowing that part of my life is over and now it’s on to the next thing.”

“I have been lucky to have been part of the Kookaburras for so long. I have been part of so many amazing Kookaburras groups that have performed well at big events.

“That feeling after you win a tournament or a big game – there’s nothing that compares to it.”

“I want to thank mum and dad who have been there from the start. They have watched a lot of my games, and also my brother. Then more recently my wife Lexi has been part of my career for the last five years. It has been amazing having her see what Kookaburras life is about.”

Kookaburras Head Coach Colin Batch, who has coached Mitton for the past five years, has witnessed Mitton’s progression to being among Australia’s elite men’s hockey talent.

Batch coached Mitton as a junior and was an opposition coach in the striker’s early years in the Kookaburras squad.

“Trent has had a long and successful career. He has been a very good goal scorer for us and also has an ability to score from penalty corners,” said Batch.

“On top of that he has been exceptional in his first running performance on defensive penalty corners.

“He has shown a lot of courage, resilience and has also been brave and had to overcome a lot of injuries along the way.

“Trent can walk away from the Kookaburras having achieved a lot. We thank him for what he has done over the past 11 years and congratulate him on his career.

“We wish him and his wife Lexi all the best on their future, including the imminent birth of their first child.”

Mitton also leaves the Kookaburras having proudly been the latest of three generations to play for Australia’s men’s hockey team. His grandfather Don and his father Grant also represented the Kookaburras.

“The Mitton name has become synonymous with the Kookaburras and I am sure Trent’s family are extremely proud, as we all are, of what Trent has done wearing the green and gold,” said Hockey Australia President Mel Woosnam.

“Trent can leave the national team knowing that he has been a valuable contributor of why the Kookaburras are one of Australia’s most successful and revered national teams.”

“We wish him and Lexi all the best on the upcoming arrival of their baby daughter and for their future.”

Mitton’s retirement follows fellow Kookaburras veterans Tyler Lovell and Matt Swann who both retired earlier this year.

Trent Mitton File
DOB: 26 November 1990
Place of Birth: Perth, Western Australia
Position: Striker
Playing Number: 25
Kookaburras appearances (goals): 181 (82)
Kookaburras Cap Number: 386
Kookaburras Debut: 7/05/10 v Egypt

Team Honours/Awards
Olympic Silver Medal 2020
FIH Pro League Champions 2019
Commonwealth Games Gold Medal 2010, 2014, 2018
Champions Trophy Winner 2012, 2016, 2018
World Cup Bronze Medal 2018
World League Gold Medal 2015

Tournament History
Olympics 2020
FIH Pro League 2019, 2020
Oceania Cup 2015, 2017, 2019
World Cup 2018
Commonwealth Games 2010, 2014, 2018
World League 2015
Champions Trophy 2012, 2016, 2018