Australia: Olympic Royalty Featuring the Golden Age of Hockey Inducted into the 2024 Hall of Fame

Australia’s Olympic legacy shines as nine members of hockey royalty are inducted into the Hockey Australia Hall of Fame in 2024.

Casey Sablowski (née Eastham), Madonna Blyth, Julie Richardson, Bevan George, Mark Knowles, Liam de Young, and Matthew Wells have all been honored for their outstanding careers at the highest level of Australian hockey.

These athletes collectively represented Australia at the Olympics 19 times, including a quadruple Olympian and four triple Olympians, showcasing one of the most decorated eras of the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras.

Four teammates from the Kookaburras—George, Knowles, de Young, and Wells—are recognized 20 years after their historic gold medal performance at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Honored in the general category are Frank Murray, a triple Olympian and coach of the Hockeyroos, and Murray Grime, a quadruple international Olympic referee, both acknowledged for their significant contributions to the sport.

Legend status has been awarded to one of our great Hockeyroos captains, Dianne Gorman, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008 and received this distinction for her inspiring leadership on and off the field since her debut in 1973.

“It is fitting in an Olympic year to recognize and reflect on some of the greatest Olympians who have left a remarkable legacy in our sport. I congratulate each of these world-class heroes for this honor,” said Hockey Australia President Ross Sudano.

“I would also like to pay tribute to Dianne Gorman, who has been recognized as a legend of our sport. Legend status acknowledges character, reputation, and sportsmanship, and as one of our great Hockeyroos captains, Di embodies these values perfectly.”

Mark Knowles, a triple Olympic medalist, shared his pride upon receiving the call about his honor from the board director.

“For me, this is the pinnacle. In a sport I love, a sport my family loves and participates in, and one I’m still passionately involved in. It places me among truly extraordinary individuals,” he said.

Telling his children about the induction was a highlight, as he believes they will finally understand what their dad achieved as an athlete representing Australia.

“They were excited because it was the first time I was inducted into the Hall of Fame… Their perception of the Hall of Fame is shaped more by American sports and YouTube than by hockey players in Australia,” he joked.

“They played the Hall of Fame song, which must be a catchy tune for young people. They danced and were pretty excited, so that was really nice.”

This latest induction brings the total number of individuals honored in the Hockey Australia Hall of Fame to 107 since its establishment in 2008.

The Hall of Fame is part of Hockey Australia’s awards program, which includes Legends, Life Members, the Merit Award, and the Distinction Award.

### Hockey Australia Hall of Fame Inductees 2024

**Legend 2024**

– **Dianne Gorman (née Dowd) (NSW)**: Known as one of the great players and leaders in women’s hockey. She debuted at 20 against England in London in 1973 and was a standout midfielder. Di captained the team at the first Olympic Games for women’s hockey in 1980, although Australia boycotted the Moscow Games. Her legacy continues at the Dianne Gorman Oval.

**Athlete Category**

– **Casey Sablowski (née Eastham) (NSW)**: An exceptional career with the Hockeyroos, playing 258 international matches over 11 years. She debuted in 2006 and became a key player in three Olympics.

– **Madonna Blyth (QLD)**: A world-class midfielder with 342 international matches, Madonna holds the record for most selections with the Hockeyroos. She is a three-time Olympian and has led the team to numerous victories.

– **Julie Richardson (NSW)**: A dynamic forward with 183 international caps and 64 goals. She was part of the gold-winning team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

– **Bevan George (WA)**: A double Olympian and gold medalist, Bevan played 208 international matches and captained the Kookaburras at the 2008 Olympics.

– **Mark Knowles (QLD)**: A significant player with 324 international caps, Mark has won multiple Olympic and Commonwealth medals, including the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics.

– **Liam de Young (QLD)**: Known for his versatility, Liam played 312 matches and is a three-time Olympian with a medal at every Olympic Games he attended.

– **Matthew Wells (TAS)**: A triple Olympian, Matthew was part of the historic gold medal-winning team in Athens and played 242 international matches.

**General Category**

– **Frank Murray (WA)** – Coach: A significant influence on both the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos, coaching over 200 international matches and leading teams to multiple medals.

– **Murray Grime (WA)** – Umpiring: Australia’s most capped international umpire, having officiated 215 international matches and four Olympics, recognized for his contributions to the sport.