ADELAIDE YOUNG GUNS HUNGRY FOR NATIONAL EXPERIENCE IN AWL

The Adelaide Jets will field two teams of athletes looking to cut their teeth when they line up at the 2021 Australian Water Polo League, as they look to match it with the best teams in the country.

Adelaide Jet’s Men’s captain Joey Parnis said that while this season presents its unique challenges, his team will be ready for whatever is thrown at them.

“This Australian Waterpolo League season is definitely going to be like nothing we have ever experienced before, but we’re just going to try and enjoy it as much as possible,” Parnis said.

“It’s unique to be able to travel and compete as a team for an extended period of time - so we’ve certainly been preparing well and will just be looking to embrace the situation.

“The time we’ll be there will be all about water polo - we’ve got a number of players who haven’t played national league before so it will be a good opportunity for them to immerse themselves in the competition.

“They all have really exciting futures ahead of them, and this AWL season is going to accelerate their learning. Even if we do end up having some tough results it gives the young guys a great chance to develop, I mean they’ll be in the pool with so many Olympians it’ll be a great learning experience!” Parnis said.

The Adelaide Jets Women’s Head Coach, Eddie Dennis, said his side will also be looking to build on their experience at the national level.

“The Jets are always a pretty young outfit and this year is no different. For our women, we will have four from interstate, two from Victoria from last year and two that we’ve picked up from Queensland.

“We have lost Jess Martin who was our longstanding captain, after many many seasons in the national league.  We see our Adelaide teams as developmental teams to provide opportunities for players to help progress,” said Dennis.

Uniquely for 2021 the Australian Waterpolo League will be played over a week leading into the hallmark Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, which has grown to become the biggest water polo event in the Southern Hemisphere.

“I think the Australian Youth Championships are awesome. The last couple of years the Stingers and the Sharks have been there to play exhibition games which has been fantastic.

“I think that’s been a key part of why AYC has worked and it really felt like the community coming together and supporting the national teams… it’s been really positive.

“The Australian Waterpolo League will give the kids the opportunity to see what the best do,” he said.

The 2021 Australian Waterpolo League will kick off in Brisbane on Wednesday 31 March, with teams battling it out across seven days of competition before the all important finals at Brisbane Aquatic Centre on Wednesday 7 April.

The 2021 Australian Waterpolo League is a COVID Safe event in compliance with QLD Health guidelines.

For tickets to the 2021 Australian Waterpolo League - click here

Sign up to News Limited before the 31st of March to take up the $1/month limited time offer so you can catch the water polo action from the Australian Waterpolo League & Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, with more than 140 games to be live streamed. Click here for more.