Dawson, a former Newcastle representative who played with Hunter Coast Premier Hockey League team Norths, is guaranteed a Games medal of some description from the men's final on Thursday (8pm, AEST) having missed the podium on debut in 2016.

In Rio the 27-year-old was alongside fellow Hunter product Simon Orchard, who previously collected bronze from the 2012 Olympics.

Norths and Newcastle coach Dave Willott, also an assistant with the NSW Pride, said it was "pretty special" to have a local on the sport's biggest stage.

"It's just amazing to have a local, a bit like Orchy, who came through all the junior ranks, did everything with Newcastle and us at Norths, be on the biggest stage hockey has," Willott told the Newcastle Herald.

"The World Cup isn't anywhere near the level for us as an Olympic gold medal match, so to have a crack at wrapping one of those around your neck is pretty special."

Willott, whose son Ky was called up to Australia's pre-departure training camp in Darwin last month, has been keeping a close eye on the action at Oi Hockey Stadium.

"Dawso's been getting better each game and he'll lead the defense again," he said.

The Kookaburras, who last played for gold in 2004, beat Germany 3-1 in Tuesday night's semi. Belgium accounted for India 5-2.

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