DEFENDING CHAMPIONS PREPARE FOR AUSTRALIAN WATERPOLO LEAGUE FINAL SERIES REMATCH

As the countdown to the Australian Waterpolo League (AWL) Finals Series heats up, teams are busy putting the final touches on their preparations.

Having found themselves in a similar situation before, defending champions Griffith Uni Queensland Thunder (women) and UNSW Wests Magpies (men) have their sights firmly set on what will hopefully be another successful finals campaign.

While he’s been at the helm of the Griffith Uni Queensland Thunder women for the past few season, head coach Benn Lees said this season has looked very different for his team.

“Our team has changed, it’s a significantly different team this year to last year, and it’s been a very challenging season for us,” Lees said.

“The  team has been working really hard this season, and have overcome some significant challenges along the way.

“If we were able to repeat history, and take out the Australian Waterpolo League again this year, it would be huge for us,” he said.

Standing in the way of Queensland’s title defence are the minor premiers and former AWL winners Fremantle Marlins, former champions Sydney Uni Lions and the UWA Torpedoes, who are eyeing off their first AWL premiership. 

“We’ve lost to all three teams in the round games this season, and they all present unique challenges for us,” Lees said.

“All four teams are really evenly matched, and it could be anyone’s game on the day.

“As the defending champions, there could possibly be a target on our back, but that’s okay…we welcome that.

“We’re feeling pretty excited, relaxed and confident, and looking forward to playing against the top women’s water polo teams in Australia,” he said.

As the only Queensland based club in the national league finals, Lees said it would be incredible to win their third AWL premiership in a row.

“It would be huge for us, we’ve got a very young team but our performances this weekend will hopefully be a testament to the resilience of our group, and the hard work they’ve put in this season,” Lees said.

“We wish all the teams the best of luck for the Finals Series, and look forward to a really exciting four days of water polo,” he said.

Defending men’s champions UNSW Wests Magpies season has followed a similar route.

On the cusp of winning their seventh Australian Waterpolo League title, the UNSW Wests Magpies men bolstered their lineup for 2023, welcoming Japanese national team representatives Katsuyura Tanamura and Seiya Adachi to the club.

In the finals this weekend, they’ll be hoping history will repeat itself, but will have fellow Sydney clubs Drummoyne Devils, ACU Cronulla Sharks and Sydney Uni Lions standing in their way.

For the full Australian Waterpolo League Finals Series draw - click here

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