2020 OVO Australian Water Polo League - all you need to know

Published Mon 18 Nov 2019

As the countdown continues to the start of the 2020 OVO Australian Water Polo League (AWL), we’ve got you sorted with everything you need to know before the first game.

This year 10 clubs will compete against each other across eight rounds, with the first game set to kick off between Drummoyne Devils and Hunter Hurricanes at Drummoyne Pool on Friday 24 January.

The first round, the Cole Miller round, will hold special meaning for the water polo community as it will remember former Brisbane Barracudas player Cole, with all clubs to honour the player by retiring the number 10 cap, Cole’s cap number.

There will be an additional four rounds that will shine a light on key themes that are valued by the water polo community.

Round 1 - Cole Miller Round

Round 3 - Mental Health Round

Round 4 - Pride Round

Round 6 - International Women’s Round

Round 8 - Heritage Round

OVO Play will once again be sponsoring the event and will be streaming each round. Stay tuned for further updates as to which games will be streamed.

Teams will have a two-week break between round five and six to allow for international commitments, with the OVO AWL finals set to be held at Sydney Olympic Park on the weekend of 3-5 April.

To view the 2020 OVO AWL draw - click here

Water Polo Australia is also pleased to announce the panel of officials that have been selected for the 2020 OVO Australian Water Polo League season.

A total of 15 referees and 11 technical delegates/evaluators from across Australia have been appointed to officiate AWL matches.

WPA is working hard to make changes to raise the standards of refereeing in the Australian Water Polo League and subsequently across all competitions within Australia.

This change will start with greater recognition of the AWL selected panel and a renewed emphasis and approach to helping and educating referees through the change in the role of technical delegates.

WPA Referee Director Phillip Bower said that the group of individuals that have been selected is one that he has faith will raise the standards of refereeing in the competition. Specifically the technical delegates/evaluators who bring to the table referee, coaching and playing experiences of the highest levels.

“I am confident that the collective experiences and backgrounds of the panel members will lift the standard of refereeing in our AWL Competition and have a positive effect on referees throughout the country,” Bower said.

Referees

Mark Balenzuela (WA)

Daniel Bartels (NSW)

Gabor Boris (WA)

Andrew Carney (ACT)

Conor Davis (NSW)

Daniel Esparon (SA)

Daniel Flahive (VIC)

David Gerrie (NSW)

Fiona Haigh (WA)

Nicholas Hodgers (NSW)

Liam Ireland (NSW)