Lions and Killer Whales looking to go back to back

Published Thu 02 May 2019

With the 2019 OVO Australian Waterpolo (OVO AWL) League Finals Series starting tomorrow, UNSW Wests Killer Whales (women's) and Sydney Uni Lions (men's) are aiming to defend their titles at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

UNSW Wests Killer Whales had a fairytale ending last year when they claimed history, winning their first title in a 5-4 nail bitter over Sydney Uni Lions, while Fremantle Marlins took the bronze medal.

To read more on the 2018 gold medal match - click HERE.

Defending champion and Killer Whales 2019 co-captain Daisy Carter will be cheering on from pool deck this weekend due to a hip injury but is confident her side can get the job done.

"It's been a bit of a different season than last year we have had quite a young team, but our belief has developed throughout the season and everyone is really excited.

"Playing as defending champions is very tough, everybody is out to get you. We have put in so much effort, not just this year but for the past few years to get better as individuals and as a group.

"The win last year was amazing and so exciting, but after it we knew we had a lot more to achieve. Everyone wants the same thing and having the same goal in mind for training and games has helped us.

Last year prior to their their success, Killer Whales took a trip to Kiama for a pre-season camp and repeated the initiative this year hoping for a similiar result.

"For the last two years we have been down there prior to the season and it's been good to refocus and bond as a group. Last year for the finals we also only played across the two days so we're happy to have that again this year because we know how to manage it.

"Anyone can win the title this year, everybody is on par and it just depends on who shows up. We're focused on our first game this Saturday and we're not looking too far ahead," she said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by UNSW Wests Water Polo (@unswwestswp) on Apr 28, 2019 at 4:42am PDT

Sydney Uni Lions clinched the men's gold medal in a penalty shoot out to remain undefeated in 2018 and cap off the perfect season.

After a last quarter fightback from silver medallists Fremantle Mariners, the Lions were able to take the win 11-10 in penalties, while ACU Cronulla Sharks rounded out the podium.

To read a full recap of the dramatic match - click HERE.

Part of the 2018 winning list and returning again as captain this season, Michael Rosenthal and the team are potentially staring down three games in as many days, but says they know what they need to do.

"We're fit and we're ready to play across three days, but we're definitely taking it one game at a time. Whatever happens we'll be ready to go, there's nothing left to save up for we have to let it all out this weekend.

"Overall, we're feeling good, we've really come on strong towards the end of the season and we're happy to be in the top six with the chance to defend our title.

"We've been there before, it's not new to us so that gives us a bit of confidence going in, but anything happen we just have to maintain a positive outlook and come away with the win again," he said.

Speaking on what lies ahead Rosenthal was adamant that the next three days will provide many memorable moments.

"Regardless of who makes it through, I'm excited to see how it plays out," he said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sydney Uni Mens Waterpolo (@sydneyuniwp) on Apr 30, 2019 at 9:04pm PDT

Make sure you’re following @WaterPoloAus across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to ensure you’re up to date with all the latest news ahead of the 2019 OVO AWL Finals Series.