AUSTRALIAN WATERPOLO LEAGUE ENTERS FINAL WEEK OF REGULAR SEASON

After more than 10 weeks of competition, the final weekend of the regular Australian Waterpolo League season is upon us.

Sixteen games will take place across two days to determine the final ladder standings leading into the 2024 Finals Series.

While the Drummoyne Devils have confirmed the top spot on the men’s league ladder and Griffith University Queensland Thunder look to be the favourites in the women’s, there is ample room for movement within the top six of both leagues.

Australian Waterpolo League commentator Mike 'Westie' Westdorp says this weekend’s games are sure to provide a thrilling end to the regular season.

“We’ve got a big weekend ahead that is sure, to see teams make one final push for a higher position on the ladder,” said Westie.

“Going into finals, the top two seeds have the opportunity to play just two games to win the Championships as opposed to three or four, so the teams will definitely be jostling for those top two spots.”

Teams in the women’s competition will be without some of their Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers this weekend, with Westie stating the games will be an interesting indicator of the depth of teams.

“In the women’s competition, the Griffith University Queensland Thunder have been the frontrunners all season but they are set to be without their Australian stars this weekend when they take on the Fremantle Marlins in Brisbane,” he said.

“Those games will be particularly interesting as the Western Australian side will be itching to secure themselves as one of the top two teams on the ladder and the only way to confirm that will be with wins.

“There’s obviously also a general challenge for position within the top six women’s teams, with UTS Balmain Tigers and Fremantle Marlins neck and neck on 61 points and the UWA Torpedoes, Drummoyne Devils and Sydney Uni Lions all with potential to change position between now and finals,” he said.

While the teams that will play in the Australian Waterpolo League Finals Series have been decided, their order is also yet to be finalised.

“Drummoyne Devils men have had a very strong season and look set to continue that momentum this weekend. It would certainly be an upset if they were to lose their first game of the season in the last round before finals,” said Westie.

While the Drummoyne Devils cannot be caught points-wise between now and the Finals Series, this weekend will see teams battle it out for the remaining rungs on the ladder.

“The UNSW Wests Magpies are currently in second place on the ladder but wins from either the UTS Balmain Tigers or Sydney University Lions could see them knocked down a rung or two,” said Westie.

“Definitely keep an eye on results as they’re posted this weekend, there could be some movement on the ladder.” 

To view a list of fixtures for this weekend and catch up on the results so far this season, click HERE.

Two games will be broadcast LIVE this Sunday April 14 from Fortitude Valley Pool.

8:30am (AEST) - Griffith University Queensland Thunder v Fremantle Marlins (Women)
10am (AEST) - Griffith University Queensland Thunder v Fremantle Mariners (Men)

To watch the live stream, click HERE.