Hockeyroos champion Brooke Peris has announced her retirement from international duties after an illustrious career that has spanned over a decade.
The Ngarrawanji woman made more than 200 appearances for the Hockeyroos since debuting against South Korea in 2013.
The 31-year-old represented her country in three Olympic Games – competing in Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo and Paris.
Peris – who is the most capped Indigenous player in Australian hockey – led the team as co-captain at the most recent Olympics.
The Darwin-born forward finishes her career as a Commonwealth Games Gold and Silver medallist, a double Champions Trophy gold medallist and the 2014 Northern Territory Sportsperson of the Year.
Despite a long list of individual and team achievements, Peris told Hockey Australia that one of the proudest moments of her career was when the Hockeyroos launched their Indigenous uniform.
"It is so important in our sport to show that we are one nation and that we have a history, a rich history, of Indigenous culture," she said.
"With our uniform and the programs and engagements we have within regional and remote communities it really helps more girls like me, who never thought my dream could happen, know that it really can.
"There are so many girls I know, in Darwin especially, who, if and when they do make it in to the national program will feel so comfortable given their culture is seen."
Peris reached the 200-game milestone in Western Australia earlier this year during a round robin series as part of the Perth International Festival of Hockey.
She said the sport gave her a platform to express who she is as a person, not just as an athlete.
"Sport isn't just about a game, it has the ability to show you who you are on the inside and the ability to be proud of that on the world stage too," Peris said.
"It's something that I never wanted to take for granted and something that I will forever be grateful for."
Peris – who is the first cousin of fellow Olympian Nova Peris – said that despite loving the sport and the opportunity to represent Australia, her heart was now going in a different direction.
"I've got to follow my heart and start a new chapter," she said.
"I'm content with my decision because I've achieved what I wanted to achieve – it's time and a great opportunity now for the next generation to come through.
"I've loved the last two years of my life in the program especially, I think I just want to cherish all the good memories that I have.
"I just can't wait to see who gets to wear my number and to see how deadly this sister girl's going to be."
