The Black Sticks coach Shane McLeod says the New Zealand men 's hockey team's best finish at a Champions Trophy tournament since 1978 leaves them in a good position going into Olympic year.
Although the home team lost 5-3 to the Netherlands in the bronze medal match yesterday at North Harbour stadium, McLeod says they gained a lot of confidence and understanding of how to play the top teams in games of consequence.
And their results on the North Shore prove they're getting closer and closer to the best sides in the world.