AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER WATERPOLO LEAGUE TO CALL BRISBANE HOME

Brisbane is set to host the Australian Waterpolo League (AWL) from 31 March - 7 April 2021, in a new format designed to reduce any potential COVID-19 challenges.

Water Polo is set to take over the river city, with the Australian Water Polo League the perfect build up to the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, which kicks off from the 7 April 2021 for two weeks.

With international travel unlikely before the Tokyo Olympics, the 2021 Australian Water Polo League will play an even bigger role in preparing Australian team athletes for the Olympic Games.

Ten (10) Clubs from Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, Sydney and Brisbane will all take part, relocating to Brisbane for the week long tournament.

The 8-day competition model for 2021 replaces the previous 10-12 week season for 2021. With the 2020 (AWL) season cut short due to COVID-19, the change in format for next year is designed to provide Clubs with the greatest degree of certainty in the current COVID-19 climate, allowing all Clubs to plan accordingly and maximise chances of the full event being delivered.

Water Polo Australia CEO, Richard McInnes, said the format for 2021 presents a unique opportunity for the sport in an Olympic year.

“For the month of April, Brisbane is set to become the epicentre of water polo. For the first time in the sport’s history we will bring together the Australian Waterpolo League and Australian Youth Championships in a true celebration of our sport, from our 12 year olds  through to our current Olympians,” said McInnes.

“Thanks to the support of Brisbane Economic Development Agency for the AWL and the Australian Youth Championships, we will be able to deliver the full competition in a city that we know has a great affinity with water polo.

“On behalf of Water Polo Australia I want to thank all Clubs for their willingness to adapt in 2021, as we look to continue to deliver the high standard of competition the AWL is known for.

"The final of the Australian Waterpolo League will be held on the opening night of the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, providing juniors players the opportunity to see the heroes of the sport in action and junior Clubs members to be able to get behind their Club's senior teams," he said.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said: "Next year will be an incredible year for events as we see them return to our city. Hosting the Australian Waterpolo League will further prove our capabilities of hosting world-class sporting events and prepare us to bid to host the 2032 Olympics."

Australian Waterpolo League Advisory Committee Chair, Antony Green said format for 2021 presents a great opportunity for the AWL.

“The changed format will certainly provide a showpiece of water polo in Australia combining the best of our elite senior players including Olympic aspirants and the best of our youth players from across Australia. The Club format will allow our youth teams to watch and support their Clubs and drive a strong atmosphere for the AWL tournament,” said Green.

“The Clubs were keen to support our National teams allowing them to play high standard tournament water polo as part of Olympic preparations. We all need to be flexible in these times and the Clubs were keen to facilitate the highest-level water polo for our elite players.

“We are hoping for great atmosphere in the final games with big, noisy and Club based crowds with the AYC supporters in Brisbane,” he said.

Final venues within Brisbane are still to be confirmed and will be announced in the New Year. 

The competition format in 2021 will see teams split in two (2) pools of five (5), with the pool stages to be held from 31 March - 4 April.  The cross over matches will be 5th April, Semi Finals on the 6th April and Finals on the 7 April (opening night of the Australian Youth Championships).