Norths defender Dawson and Souths striker Williams were both named in Australian squads on Monday, having made their Games debuts in 2016.

The Kookaburras and Hockeyroos both had disappointing Rio campaigns with Dawson and Williams keen to make amends at the upcoming Olympics, which are scheduled to get underway in Japan next month after being postponed last year because of COVID-19.

"There was a sense of relief and then probably the excitement of, not wanting to use the word redemption but, getting another chance to have a red hot crack at winning a medal for my country," Dawson said.

Dawson, with 144 Test caps next to his name, has previously stood on top of the podium at the FIH Pro League, Hockey World League, Commonwealth Games, Champions Trophy and Oceania Cup.

The 27-year-old would love to add the Olympics to that list and fill his former Hunter Coast Premier Hockey League club with even more pride.

"The way Norths supported me early on, I wouldn't be where I am today. Norths will always hold a special with me and hopefully I can stand on top of that podium and make a fair few people proud," he said.

Williams, a former Hunter Sports High School student whose parents live at Teralba, admits it was a "bit touch and go" as she overcame groin surgery and more recently stress fractures in her tibia to reach the Games.

"It's been a very tough five years for me," she said.

"To see my name on the email, I was over the moon excited and really relieved."

Williams, who also raced the clock five years ago with knee issues, said she now feels "really fit" and "confident with my body being able to handle the pressure".

The 26-year-old reckons new coach Katrina Powell has helped steady the ship after a controversial period for the Hockeyroos.

"I think COVID definitely helped us as a team in steering us towards a gold medal at the Olympics," she said.

Williams and Dawson marked a return to international fixtures last month with a tour of New Zealand.

The Kookaburras and Hockeyroos will finalise their Games preparations with Tests against the Kiwis in Perth and training camps in Darwin.

Meanwhile, the Newcastle men's representative hockey team has fallen one win short of defending their title at the NSW State Championships after going down 3-0 to Illawarra South Coast in Monday's final at Moorebank.

Newcastle, who clinched the most recent crown in 2019, progressed to the decider as the higher seed once their semi against Tamworth ended in a 1-all draw.

In the women's competition at Narellen, Newcastle finished fifth overall following a 3-2 play-off victory over Nepean on Monday.

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