TheHelpSide This week we talk to the man they call the Tattooed Titan, Kieran Govers. After bursting on to the scene for the Kookaburras as a youngster at the 2010 World Cup, Kieran quickly became one of the most popular players in world hockey and made a name for himself as a lethal striker and walking highlight reel, with some of the most unforgettable goals scored on the world stage. I was pretty pumped Kieran agreed to share his story with The Help Side, because it is by no means a smooth one, and the resilience Kieran has shown throughout his career is something that is truly inspiring.

We sat down after a game of golf in the change rooms of Sutherland Hockey Club and chatted for about an hour and a half about the highs and lows of his career. Being one of the great Sydney clubs, you’ll hear a bunch of excited kids in the background at times, eager to get back to training and there’ll be an intrusion or two but to be honest, I found it kind of fitting, given the man I had in front of me. Kieran is one of the true servants of hockey, and despite it being really quite a cruel game to him at times, his love and passion for the game and its development remain quite incredible. In Part A of the interview, we talk about his path to the Kookaburras and how it very nearly didn't happen. He's got some cracking stories for you all, so we hope you enjoy the Help Side of Kieran Govers.