So says someone who should know, the team captain Madonna Blyth. Blyth was in Taree as a special guest at the Manning Hockey Association grand finals.

Originally from Brisbane, she's now based in Perth. Since making her international debut in 2004 Blyth has played 292 games for the Hockeyroos. She's been captain since 2009.

"It's less than two years now to Rio. That's the big one that we're still searching for, the Olympic gold medal and that's the next big one for us,'' she said.

"I think we're in a really good place. We do have a lot of improving to do but we're number two in the world and we're playing really good hockey. With another two years of development I think the team is really looking forward to how good we can be when we go to Rio.''

Blyth is confident the Hockeyoos are improving.

"We're making sure we improve in all aspects of the game. We're playing well now but we know that we can get better."

Hockey, Blyth said, is now a fulltime occupation.

The squad had their first run together this year in January. Their last assignment will be December 8.

"We play a lot of hockey but that's what we're there to do. For us it's about maintaining your body over the year and making sure you're in good fitness when you need to be,'' she explained.

"But we love it and that's why we do it. This year has been a big hockey year and we're fortunate enough to be fulltime hockey players, with a bit of study thrown in. But most years the girls will juggle a bit of work as well. There's still that balance but we're well funded now.''

She knows that the Manning has a proud hockey tradition and have in fact produced four national representatives, Robyn Leggatt, Kristen and Julie Towers and Brooke Morrison.

"They're players we all know about - I actually wear the same number that Brooke did in the Australian team,'' she said.

"We looked up to them when we were growing up.''

Blyth said it's been an outstanding year for the Australians.

"We won the silver medal at the World Cup and that was pretty incredible - it was such an amazing experience and to back that up with the Commonwealth Games gold medal in the fashion that we did it - that'll stick in my mind for a long while.''

However, there have been some tough times in her career.

"We spent a lot of time ranked sixth or seventh in the world and that was disappointing,'' Blyth admits.

"Missing out playing for a medal at the Olympics breaks your heart. Two Olympics in a row we came fifth and missed the semis by goal difference or a couple of points. They're the low times and the ones that spur you on.''

Blyth admits that 2016 could be her swansong in the international arena.

"I don't like to put a date on it, but I'd say the Olympics will be my last major tournament. I've been in the Australian side since 2004 and I've loved it. It goes in a blink of an eye but I feel really privileged that I've had a prolonged career. Rio would be a great highlight to go out on,'' she said.