Jirrabul Mamu woman Jamie-Lee Surha of the Yidinji nation has become the fifth Indigenous woman to represent the Hockeyroos.
Surha made her debut during the Hockeyroos' recent Pro League clash against the Netherlands at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen, a match that saw Australia go down 5-1 to the world No.1 squad.
The Queensland striker became just the eighth Indigenous Australian hockey player to wear the green and gold at international level, proudly making her debut in the Hockeyroos' ochre Indigenous strip.
"Pulling on the Indigenous uniform was one of the most special moments for me, being a First Nations athlete in this team, I'm very proud to be here and in this uniform," she said.
Reflecting on the experience, Surha said the entire journey, from the moment she was called up to stepping onto the field, had been surreal.
"It was everything I expected and more," she said.
"The atmosphere the Dutch fans bring is incredible.
"From the call-up, to getting on the plane two days later, to stepping on the field for the first time, it's all been a surreal and special moment."
While acknowledging the high pace of international play, Surha said the step up to elite competition was everything she hoped for.
"I think it's definitely what I expected but more if I'm being honest," she said.
"The girls are so quick... but it's pretty cool to experience it."
On Instagram, she added she was "grateful for the opportunity to debut for my country".
Surha joins a small but significant group of Indigenous women to don the Hockeyroos uniform, following in the footsteps of Mariah Williams, Brooke Peris, Nova Peris and Lorelle Morrisey.
The match itself saw the Hockeyroos take an early lead through Alice Arnott, but the Dutch side quickly regained control and dominated for the remainder of the game.
The loss followed an 8-1 defeat a day earlier.
The Hockeyroos now head to London for the next stage of the Pro League, where they will play India twice before facing hosts England.
All Hockeyroos and Kookaburras matches, at home and abroad, are broadcast live and free on 7plus.
