An Emily Chalker double has helped to keep Kate Jenner's Hockeyroos humming in Tokyo, the rejuvenated gold medal prospects beating China 6-0 for a second-straight win.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
It was a statement victory to follow their opening 3-1 win over Spain on Sunday after the program had been turned upside down by an external review in response to claims of body-shaming, bullying and other issues.
Katrina Powell, a key member of Hockeyroos teams that won Olympic gold in 1996 and 2000, was brought in as the new coach less than four months out from the Games, charged with turning things around.
READ ALSO:
And Powell has her side firing; their relentless, attacking brand on show as Chalker scored two second-quarter goals before Brooke Peris slapped a loose ball out of the air and into the net just seconds into the second half.
Rosie Malone set up the second goal with a steal and pinpoint backstick pass and was then rewarded with one of her own when Amy Lawton's slick build-up play put the ball on a platter.
Stephanie Kershaw then cleaned up the scraps after skilfully finding her way past two Chinese defenders into the circle before Grace Stewart blazed a shot that somehow squeezed through the Chinese goalkeeper's pads and trickled over the line.
The smothering defence of Malone in the forward line had earlier set the tone as China struggled to find a way through the Australians.
The No.2-ranked side next face Japan, who lost 4-3 to China, on Wednesday.
Sporting a white patch under her right eye courtesy of a knock against Spain, Jenner was once again assured at the back.
Eluding to said covering, former team-mate Georgie Parker commented during the coverage that the Tamworth product was "as tough as nails".
She also said that Jenner was the best trainer she played with, and anyone in the team would say that.
Australian Associated Press
