Mount Gambier’s David “Viney” Vine has secured his spot in the Australian National Country Men’s Hockey team that will compete in Hong Kong and Singapore next year.


The selection makes him the only South Australian chosen to represent in the senior men’s division, with 17 other teammates hailing from other parts of the country.


His selection was made following his involvement in the 2024 Australian Hockey Country Championships held in Goulburn in August.


At the conclusion of the tournament Hockey Australia selectors announced that Viney had made the cut.


“It is a self-nominated selection process … selectors then watch the games and pick the team from there,” Viney said.


This is his second time Viney has had the honour of achieving his dream goal – the first being in April this year when he represented Australia in New Zealand.


“This is the top achievable level for country hockey people like me. I’m thrilled to be able to represent Australia Country and tick off my dream goal,” he said.


In 2007 Hockey Australia decided to provide country hockey players with the opportunity to tour internationally each year.


Since 2008 the senior country teams have toured internationally to Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Malaysia and Thailand, playing against other national teams.


Nominations for these squads are called for prior to the Australian Country Hockey Championships and a rigorous selection process is undertaken during the games.


The teams are announced as part of the presentation ceremony at the conclusion of the championships.


“It’s one thing to be able to play hockey for Australia Country but it makes it twice as good when you get to experience with your wife and child,” Viney said.


Viney’s number one supporters are his wife Michelle and their son George, who can be seen on the sidelines cheering on their husband and dad.


At 31 years of age, Viney has had a long career with the West Hockey Club, spanning 26 years.


Hockey has always been a family affair, starting out watching his family – mum Jo and older siblings Darren and Kathryn.


“I grew up watching my mother, and brother and sister play and kind of fell in love with it from there,” Viney said, adding his first memory of the playing the sport was when he was five years old.


“I was five playing minkey hockey, which was for children that were too young to start playing under 12’s.”


From that moment on Viney has worked his way up club level ranks from juniors through to seniors, currently coach and player of division one.


He has also been involved in lending a hand off the field as committee member.


Accolades in that time have included club and Lower South East Hockey Association best and fairest, Club Person of the Year and Damon Dodds Memorial Award recipient.


Viney has also taken his talent to South Australian regional and state country championships, as well as interstate as part of Hockey Australia Country Championships in Victoria, New South Wales and Western Australia.


His thirst for playing the sport has also seen him compete overseas, representing Australia in New Zealand in April this year.


In recognition of his contributions on and off the field, Viney was bestowed the most prestigious honour – life membership, which was presented to him at the end of the 2023 season.


Though Viney has thoroughly enjoyed being able to represent Australia and South Australia, he is looking at making the Hong Kong/Singapore tour his last.


“Hong Kong will most likely be my last tournament I represent the SA Hockey colours. I have enjoyed every tournament I have been a part of,” he said.


Winding down his hockey travels to spend more time at home and travelling with his family is where Viney sees his future, as well as still remaining involved with his home club.


Until then he is gearing up with self-motivated training regime until he meets with other players closer to the tournament date.


“They do not give you anything to go off. They expect you to be fit and ready in your own way. I pretty much ran every second day and then spent the last month (for New Zealand) doing stick drills to make sure I was near my best for it,” he said.


The team includes representatives from Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and the Australian Defence Force.


They will again be under the guidance of coach Robert Laffin, assistant coach Stuart Hyslop and team manager Brian Wild.


Viney said his mindset for success in the sport has changed from when he was younger.


“When I was young it was to work hard and be fit and all that hard work should pay off,” he said.


“As I have gotten older it is more about enjoying myself and having fun with others and just seeing how it works out for me.


“Ever since I started doing shift work with horrible hours I never imagined being able to still compete and rise to where I have got to now.”


Viney is all for encouraging others to take up the sport he has grown up to be passionate about.


“Field hockey is an incredible sport that combines agility, teamwork, and strategy in a way that’s both exciting and rewarding,” he said.


“It’s a fast-paced game with lots of action and skilful play, from dribbling and passing to powerful shots on goal. “Plus, it’s a fantastic way to stay fit and build lasting friendships.


“Do not worry if you’re new to the game, field hockey is welcoming to players of all levels, and the sense of community and support is second to none.


“So grab a stick, join a local team, and experience the joy and camaraderie of field hockey for yourself.”