The day has finally arrived where I board the Qantas flight to depart to the Beijing Olympic Games. I can't believe its been four years since I played in the Athens Olympic Games. Wow, how quickly time passes. This year has been a very intense and at times disappointing year in terms of our results. We came fifth in the champion's trophy in June, we recently played Japan in four test matches and we lost two of them. And although some might ask if it is panic stations for the Hockeyroos.....I say no its not. I feel the past few months we have come a long way together. We have pulled together as a tight group through some pretty hard training sessions. When the Olympic 16 were picked rather than show lots of elation our first reactions were for our mates who had missed the cut. Our mates who had worked equally as hard over the past couple of years and more so over the past 6 months to get a spot in the Olympic team. Unfortunately only 16 out of the squad can be picked and I feel very sad for those who have missed out. But rest assured when we take the field as the Australian Olympic team we will play for each other and we will play for those girls who were with us all the way.

  Personally this year has been an interesting one for me. I moved over to Perth in January to begin our full time training program and in the 7 months since I left I have not been home to see my family or friends so I struggled at times being so far away. I missed the birth of my new niece and have not seen her yet so I can't wait to get home and see her for the first time! These are the kind of sacrifices you make when you want to achieve the ultimate for your country.

  This year has been a year of milestones for me. I was honoured to become the highest capped female player in the history of Australia. I will also play my 300th test match for my country in Beijing. I will hopefully score my 100th goal in Beijing, and I will be playing with my age printed on my back......my playing number is 32 and in July I turned 32.....what a strange coincidence! All of this would not have been possible without the support of some very special people who I would like to thank.

  Firstly my family. I have been blessed throughout my career to have the most supportive family who keep me very grounded. They have shown me immense support and care and have been there for me throughout some tough times. Thank you very much. Someone else who is very dear to my heart is Jenno. Sadly we are no longer in a relationship but over the past 6 years he has been my rock. He has done what no-one else could have done. He taught me how to push myself beyond my comfort zone. He taught me what it takes to be a world class athlete. He believed in me, he guided me with all this experience and knowledge, he supported me through the good and bad times, and in helping me overcome my serious knee injury he prolonged my career by many years. I will forever be grateful for having him by my side throughout such an important part of my career and life and I know he will continue to inspire those around him to great things. Jenno I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I wish you all the best in your new jobs back in the UK. To my sponsors who have been with me for a period of time now. Thank you for your continued support and your belief in me. Without your generous support and friendship I would not be where I am today. I hope to wear your product, use your product, drive your product and market your product to the very best of my ability and as much as you believe in me rest assured I believe in your product equally as much. I hope we can continue our very successful relationships. To my faithful friends and extended family. You have all been so supportive of me throughout the years; you have been by my side to help me and to share wonderful friendships. Without my personal life I would be lost. Thank you for making me laugh, for caring for me and for being wonderful friends. I can't wait to get home to you all and catch up on the 8 months I have been away from you all. You all mean the world to me and I am so lucky to have your friendship.

  I now go to Beijing ready to give my all for my country. As I always say........I play for the name on the front of my bodysuit not the back of my bodysuit (I play for Australia and not for Hudson). Please keep your fingers crossed for the Hockeyroos to have success in Beijing and I will endeavour to make you proud each time I take the field............