FREMANTLE LOOKING TO CAPITALISE ON PROUD HISTORY

Fremantle have a proud history in the Australian Waterpolo League, boasting consistent finals appearances and a number of championship titles.

Even though their preparation for the 2021 season has been vastly different, both the Marlins and the Mariners are well placed heading to Brisbane.

Fremantle coach Peter Arancini will be supporting both programs in Brisbane, and said his teams are tracking well despite challenges.

“Both teams have been training well in the lead up to this Australian Waterpolo League season,” Peter said.

“Hard border closures have had their impact, but both teams are committed to achieving the best results possible in Brisbane.

“The way that this season has been put together is going to be fantastic, we’re heading to Queensland for eight days of competition, and a high standard of competition at that.

“It’s such a fantastic concept to have all the teams in the one place for one week and we can’t wait to get over there and play,” he said.

Peter said that knowing that Brisbane is the potential host of the 2032 Olympic Games has only elevated the excitement around the group.

“The excitement and enthusiasm, at first, comes from playing in the AWL, but knowing that we’ll be playing in a place that might host the Olympics just adds to that hype.

“It adds to the scope of the event, and how important it is, and adds to the competition as a whole without a shadow of a doubt.

“Queensland is a fantastic location to have the AWL, and they’ve done exceeding well to hold the competition at relatively short notice,” he said.

Rio Olympian Zoe Arancini will captain the Fremantle Women’s team, and admits that the style of this year’s AWL provides a good opportunity for her and her Aussie Stingers team mates to get game experience.

“It’s going to be great practice for us Aussie Stingers girls, we need official games and competitive games and the national league gives us that,” Zoe said.

“You always need to be playing games, and getting that time in the water - we don’t just train to train.

“The AWL is our premier water polo league, this is what we fight for and this is what we play for,” she said.

The 2021 Australian Waterpolo League is a COVID Safe event in compliance with QLD Health guidelines.

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