Update to 2022 Australian Waterpolo League

With the 2022 Australian Waterpolo League (AWL) scheduled to kick off this week, Water Polo Australia (WPA) wishes to provide an update on the format for the event.

Recent announcements made by the Western Australian Government in relation to domestic border restrictions remaining in place for an undetermined period of time, has created some additional challenges for WPA to work through before the season commences.

Due to the changed reopening on the WA border, the format, draw and club makeup of the 2022 AWL were required to be reviewed.

After consultation with the AWL Advisory Committee (AWLAC) on Friday, the result of the recent announcements means that the 2022 AWL will become a nine Club competition with Fremantle Water Polo Club and UWA Torpedoes unfortunately unable to compete.

WPA, together with the Clubs and players, will work on a case by case basis for those players from WA who wish to participate in the AWL to play as part of the league and look to find Clubs to be drafted to.

WPA and the AWLAC have also prepared contingency plans, should the WA clubs be able to travel after 31 March, whereby the two clubs will be able to challenge teams placed 5th and 6th in the AWL regular season for a spot in an extended six team finals series from April 8 to 10.

WPA CEO Richard McInnes said he is disappointed that the West Australian clubs will not be able to take part.

“Last week’s announcement about domestic border restrictions for WA has impacted many sports, and creates challenges for WPA to deliver national events and programs that cater for athletes across the country,” McInnes said.

“More importantly though, we feel for the WA water polo community, who have been isolated for so long now and unable to participate in national events and programs. 

“They have continued to train and prepare, yet are not getting the opportunity to participate, which must be devastating for them.  While there are many facing more significant challenges, due to COVID around Australia, sport plays a critical role in the health and wellbeing of our community and this setback is another challenge for our WA members. WPA will continue to do all we can to ensure we support and engage our WA members.

“As a result of last week’s announcements, the AWL Advisory Committee as well as the two AWL Clubs based in Western Australia, made the difficult decision to proceed with the 2022 AWL without Fremantle and UWA Torpedoes.

“We have developed some options to include the WA clubs and players including the provision for Player Loan Agreements which could see WA players play for another Club, if there is a chance to do so. Although at this late stage, most clubs had their squads prepared,” he said.

Some changes have also had to be made to the competition structure, however this week’s Tournament 1A in Sydney will proceed as planned.

Tournament 1b will go ahead in Adelaide in early February, however it will become a three Club competition between Adelaide Jets, Victorian Phoenix and Queensland Thunder.

Following Tournaments 1a and 1b, the competition will revert to the traditional Home and Away format, with full draws to be released in the coming week once venue bookings are confirmed.

The Broadcast plan for Tournaments 1a and 1b will remain as planned, with the schedule to be reviewed for games beyond the first two events.

The 2022 Australian Waterpolo League will be broadcast via News Corp Australia - click here to subscribe.