Fair play earns surprise award

Gabby McMillan

Ms Gallagher took time off from the national league, but says she isn't ready to hang up her hockey stick

11 October 2005: For University of Canberra forward and former Hockeyroo Peta Gallagher, winning the McKay Medal at Hockey ACT's presentation on 21 September was a "big surprise".

Ms Gallagher, an applied science graduate, received the 'best and fairest' award after polling 99 votes for the season, 20 points ahead of the second best player, Hockeyroo Sarah Taylor.

Winning the award shocked Ms Gallagher because she missed the beginning of the hockey season and didn't appear on the voting leader board until round eight.

"I went to the award ceremony thinking I didn't have a chance but as the night kicked on and they started going through the polling votes I started to think about it a little more," she said.

"I just didn't think I would even be considered because I didn't play the full season."

Ms Gallagher said while it's nice to be recognised, in team sports everyone should be receiving the awards.

Ms Gallagher took "time-off" after playing in the national league but then decided she wasn't ready to retire.

"I just knew I wanted to pick up my stick again for another season," she said.

"I still like the feeling of walking off the field after a game. I'll probably only play for another few years and that keeps me motivated."

Ms Gallagher has a month before training begins for next year's national season with the Canberra Labor Club Strikers.

She is currently competing in some matches of the New Zealand six-week national league with North Harbour Hockey because they have injured players.

Her career highs include World Cup 2002 while her career lows include missing out on selection in the Australian squad for 2005, she said.

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