It began a journey that would take him from the main stand of St Leonards Hockey Centre named after his grandfather David to the sport’s biggest arenas around the world.

And after amassing 138 international caps, gracing two Olympic Games, winning a World Cup, World League final and two Champions Trophies, Tim Deavin has confirmed his retirement from the Kookaburras.

”You have to decide between keeping trying or moving on with your life and I decided to move on,” the defender told The Examiner from Western Australia this week.

“I had an awesome time. It was a lot of hard work but a lot of fun and I look back with lots of fond memories.

“I never thought I’d achieve what I did. When you make the move (to Perth) you have hopes of playing one game for Australia let alone two Olympics, a World Cup etc. I never expected any of that so I’m pretty happy.”

Launceston-born Deavin has not played internationally since Australia’s disappointing, premature exit from the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The former Glen Dhu Primary School and Scotch Oakburn College student, who turned 34 this week, ​made his Kookaburras debut in May 2010 and went on to score six goals in a decorated international career.

He won an Olympic bronze medal at the 2012 London Games and was part of the Australian side which won the 2014 World Cup in the Netherlands.

Maintaining a strong and proud record of Tasmanian involvement in the national men’s side, Deavin joined Eddie Ockenden as flag-bearers for their home state, often pictured together in exotic international destinations and helping the likes of Jeremy Edwards and Josh Beltz make the same transition.

“The highlights which stand out are my debut which was against Egypt at the Azlan Shah Cup,” Deavin said.

“I don’t really get nervous very often but I was that day. That was an exciting and proud moment for me and my family after all the hard work as a kid. It was great to have my parents there.

“Winning my first major title at the Champions Trophy in 2010 was amazing, my first Olympics in London and winning a World Cup were unbelievable particularly with a record margin against the home side.

"I also want to thank my long-term Tasmanian Institute of Sport coach Andrew McDonald for his guidance throughout as well as my family who were with me every step of the way."

Deavin, who now runs two bars in Perth, said he was looking forward to representing Tasmania in the upcoming Australia Hockey League and hopeful of the state repeating its historic 2014 title.

“I quite enjoy playing that because people are scared of me which I like.”

Hockey Australia high performance director Toni Cumpston praised Deavin for his contribution to the success of the Kookaburras.

“Tim was a really tough, dogged defender who was an integral member and leader during a successful era for the Kookaburras over the past eight years,” she said.

“He has that competitive Tasmanian spirit which enabled him to get the best out of himself and be successful on the world stage.”