BATTLE OF THE BRIDGE TO HEADLINE WEEKEND OF AUSTRALIAN WATERPOLO LEAGUE ACTION

The Australian Waterpolo League (AWL) is back in action this weekend, with the epic Battle of the Bridge clash between the Drummoyne Devils and UTS Balmain set to headline the round as the KommunityTV feature game.

Featuring teams from across the country, another 24 games will take place from Thursday 15 Feb to Sunday 18 Feb, with the aforementioned Sydney clash to be broadcast live from the Dawn Fraser Baths.

Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks squad member Tristan Glanznig will find himself taking part in the famous matchup for the first time, having played his previous years in the AWL for the ACU Cronulla Sharks, and is excited for the game after settling in quickly.

“Moving to Drummoyne has been a really good opportunity, it’s great to be learning from new coaching styles, playing with different people and getting mentored by new, more experienced players, I’m learning a lot,” said Glanznig.

“I feel like I’ve become part of the family really quickly at Drummoyne. I’m living with our Spanish import Guillem Garcia which is awesome cause we can talk waterpolo, talk through plays and watch games together. 

“Paul Patrick, our team manager, has been an absolute legend as well and has really helped me feel welcome. He goes above and beyond and just makes everything so much easier, he’s even fixed stuff at the house.

“It’s been a super immersive water polo experience so far which is great, it will be a great place for me to grow as a player.

“Regarding Balmain, they’re always a tough opponent, it’s definitely going to be physical but we’re really excited. We just have to stick to our systems, make sure we’re switched on and play our own game,” he said.

The 2024 AWL season will be Glanznig’s fifth, an impressive milestone for someone who turned 20 just two weeks ago.

“It’s pretty special to be returning to the AWL for my fifth season this year. It’s nice doing it in a new system and environment too, it really tests you and pushes you out of your comfort zone. 

“I think this season will be better than the ones before it because we have some amazing imports coming in and the quality of the league just generally will be really high. I’m excited to play some good games.

“I’m also really lucky to be able to play with such a range of amazing players and to receive tutelage from players like AJ Roach, Blake Edwards, Tyler Martin, Lachy Edwards, (Matt) Gronow and more. 

“Their waterpolo knowledge is insane and they’re so happy to help both inside the water and out. They just really want to see the sport grow and it’s really nice to receive all their wisdom and be pushed by them every week at training.

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 Saturday February 17 from Dawn Fraser Baths in Sydney: 

3pm (AEST) - UTS Balmain Tigers v Drummoyne Devils (Men)
4:45pm (AEST) - UTS Balmain Tigers v Drummoyne Devils (Women)

To watch the live stream, click HERE.