Aussie Sharks Set to Host European Powerhouse Croatia in Sydney Test Match Series

Published Thu 14 Nov 2019

In the build up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the Australian Men’s Water Polo team is set to host European heavy weights Croatia in a three test match series in December.

As part of a week long training camp, three official test matches will be held between the two sides who share a fierce rivalry.

Croatia medalled at the last two Olympic Games, taking silver in Rio and gold in London and are sure to be favourites in Tokyo.

Aussie Sharks Head Coach Elvis Fatovic, a former coach and player of the Croatian national side, said that the opportunity to play against one of the best teams in the world on home soil is invaluable.

“Croatia are the only team to win a competition medal at every World Championships for the last six years,” Fatovic said.

“They are an extremely fast team and it will be a great opportunity for Australians to see our team playing against the best in the world,” he said.

Fatovic added that test series will form a crucial part of the teams' Olympic preparations.

“This is the first time we will all be together since the FINA World Championships,” Fatovic said.

“Our team doesn’t get the chance to play against European teams regularly so these three tests will be extremely important.”

Fatovic’s son, Loren Fatovic, is a rising star of the Croatian national team, but Fatovic said it’s all part of the process.

“It is not something new, as I have done it many times now, but it will be good to finally see him play in Australia,” he said.

“It has been good for him to build his career without having me on his back.”

Ahead of each Test Match, the Australian Women’s Water Polo Team, the Aussie Stingers, will hold showcase matches with local sides.

It will kick start a two month international water polo extravaganza in Australia, with both the Aussie Stingers and Aussie Sharks to take on USA in January in Brisbane.