Having debuted against Argentina earlier this week, Hobart’s Jack Welch converted a 34th-minute field goal in the 5-2 defeat of Malaysia in Australia’s first game of the Darwin International Hockey Open on Tuesday night.

“It was a bit of a relief. I wanted it and it was a great feeling,” said Welch, who was player of the tournament when Tasmania won the Australian under-21 championships in Sydney earlier this year.

“It’s great to be here.

“It’s been a big build-up to get here so good to get out and play some hockey. It’s great fun and I love it.”

Welch said the Australians were relishing the opportunity to play Malaysia, Argentina and Japan at the Marrara Hockey Centre in a pivotal warm-up ahead of their World Cup defence in India in November.

“We’re looking good. It’s quality opposition so we’ll see how we go but we’re on the up.”

Dylan Wotherspoon, Tom Craig, Tim Brand and fellow newcomer Jacob Anderson were also on target in the victory.

Hobart’s Josh Beltz also featured in the match while the Kookaburras’ co-captain Eddie Ockenden was rested.