The Gold Coast will take centre stage tonight at the Opening Ceremony of the 21st Commonwealth Games.

Veteran hockey player Mark Knowles will lead out the Australian team as flagbearer, pipping hurdler Sally Pearson for the honour.

The Kookaburra’s captain tells Alan he’s proud to represent his country, and the Queensland town of Rockhampton where he grew up.

“To think of that over the past 24 hours since I was announced, it’s been a pretty special time for me and some of the people who’eve been so special on that journey.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview