Melbourne does it again: 2012 Hockey Champions Trophy coming to Melbourne

In the constant battle for supremacy as the sporting capital of the world, Melbourne can add another world-class sporting event to its list: the 2012 Champions Trophy. The event consists of the top five nations from last year's Champions event, the winner of the Champions Challenge and two other nations invited from hockey's governing body. This results in the best teams in the world doing battle down under. This year will have the added spice of teams "peaking" for the Olympic year.

Australia on Top

The Aussies are on target for an Olympic medal at London and if their form can be carried over, another Champions Trophy win. The combination is mouth-watering for Australian hockey, with a potential Champions Trophy win on home soil. Australia are the defending Champions Trophy champions (2011).

Australia has been a dominant force in world hockey since their Olympic silver medal in 1976. One of the games' masters is current men's coach, Ric Charlesworth. Charlesworth is a former national player, Olympic coach, WA cricketer and politician. But, despite these achievements, he still desires the double of Olympic gold and Champions Trophy titles.

This year's Champions Trophy will take place from December 1-9 at the State Netball and Hockey Centre.