Stacey Michelsen: Gold medal still hasn't really sunk in

Pride was the major feeling for Stacey Michelsen as New Zealand received their first Commonwealth Games gold medal in hockey.

New Zealand defeated Australia 4-1 after a sublime attacking effort usurped a defensive powerhouse which hadn't conceded a goal until the transtasman battle.

Captain Stacey Michelsen had been there for the disappointments at the Delhi and Glasgow campaigns as well as the heartbreak at the Rio Olympics.

But under her stewardship New Zealand came through in two pivotal moments to win the grandest prize.

The Kamo defender still couldn't quite believe what they had accomplished.

"It's a pretty amazing feeling. It still hasn't really sunk in for me yet and it was great to get a few goals against a really strong team," she said.

"I'm just so happy and proud of the performance we put out there.

"One of our real strengths is that we do create a lot of scoring opportunities and the difference today was that we were really clinical inside the circle and that allowed us to convert when the opportunity arose."

Goals to Shiloh Gloyn, Rose Keddell, Olivia Merry and Anita McLaren put New Zealand well and truly over the top as Australia shed their goalkeeper in the hopes of an unlikely comeback.

Northland's contingent of strikers Sam Harrison and Madison Doar along with experienced defenders Brooke Neal and Ella Gunson continued their form into the tournament showcase.

Michelsen said the Northland presence shows how great the region is at developing talent.

"It just goes to show that Northland is still and always has produced strong women's hockey players," she said.

"I think that's down to the amazing coaches and people willing to put in their time and effort to help out."

However nothing could stop New Zealand as they saved their best performance of an impressive campaign for the climax.

Michelsen said the side showed the commitment they'd been striving for in the lead-up to the Games.

"I'm hugely proud of the team," she said.

"The best thing was everyone out on that field did their job really well and you could see the energy and everything that went into it out there in the middle.

"It's so pleasing for us as a group to not only winning the game but doing it with a great team performance."

Despite Australia being the home side, the Kiwi supporting troupe made their voices known as chants of "Ki-wi" echoed in the stadium.

Michelsen said they were so thankful for their committed fan base.

"It's been massive. We've been so lucky to have such a huge support network here on the Gold Coast," she said.

"Every single person had at least four people here watching them and we could see and hear that in the crowd. There was always a patch of black sitting up in the crowd.

"It was so nice to have that and it definitely gives you a lift when you know you have plenty of supporters not only in the crowds but back home watching on their TVs.

"We've had floods of messages from people back home and that has been so amazing."

While the celebrations were no doubt long and lively in the New Zealand House, they'll continue as they return home.

Michelsen said the team can't wait to share their accolade.

"It's certainly nice to get back to our home regions and share the medal with those people who put so much into us," she said.

"And that's everyone who's involved currently or helped us in our development when we were younger.

"It's going to be really special to share it with those people."