National Selectors Announced

Following the release of the updated Water Polo Australia (WPA) National Selection Policy in late 2019, WPA is pleased to announce the recent appointment of two additional selectors to the panel, Tom Hoad and Eddie Denis.

Under the updated policy, an expression of interest process was carried out to identify two independent selectors to join the existing Head Coaches of each program as well as WPA High Performance Manager Aleksandr Osadchuk. 

The KAP7 Aussie Sharks selection panel will now be made up of Elvis Fatovic (Head Coach), Tom Hoad (independent) and Aleksandr Osadchuk (HP Manager).

The Aussie Stingers selection panel will be made up of Predrag Mihailovic (Head Coach), Eddie Denis (independent) and Aleksandr Osadchuk (HP Manager).

Both selection panels will be convened by Melbourne based barrister Elle Nikou Madalin who’s role as Chair and Convenor will be to ensure the selection process and policies are followed. This role is a non-voting role.

Water Polo Australia Interim CEO, Richard McInnes, said both Tom Hoad and Eddie Denis bring significant expertise and experience that will be of great value during this Olympic year.

“Tom Hoad is synonymous with water polo, playing for Australia at three Olympic Games and coaching our national men’s team at four Olympic Games from 1976 to 1988 including Australia's best ever placing of fifth in Los Angeles in 1984,” said

“Eddie Dennis is part of the Australian high performance network, working with the South Australian State Institute. He was also a vital part of the Australian Women’s national team program for more than 12 years, serving as the Aussie Stingers Assistant Coach at the Rio Olympic Games and represented Australia at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

“Both these former players and coaches bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the Olympic Games environment that will be of great value to our selection process.

“We are also pleased to welcome Elle Nikou Madalin, whose role is to facilitate our selection process and who’s legal background will ensure a transparent and diligent process is carried out around all selections.

“We thank all individuals for offering their skills and services to be part of this important panel as we build towards Tokyo 2020,” he said.

The WPA Selection Policy has been updated and includes the formation of Squad Selection Panels (SSP) and Team Selection Panels (TSP) with some members on both panels to ensure continuity.

Team Selection Panel (TSP)

TSP is responsible for the selection of the National Team who will compete in a forthcoming Competition(s). The TSP will focus their attention on the National Squad during the preparation phase and the National Team and athlete performance in competition.  TSP comprises of:

• Selection Panel Chair and Convenor
• National Team Head Coach
• Independent Selector
• WPA High Performance Manager

Squad Selection Panel (SSP)

SSP is responsible for selecting a National Squad to undertake the Preparation Program, which will be defined as a time bound component of the Campaign Plan for each Campaign.

This will include panel members from around the States as well as National Team coaching staff for both programs and ensure broader coverage of the Australian pathway system and competitions.  It will include:

• Chair and Convenor of the Selection Panel
• National Team Head Coach
• National Team Assistant Coach (maximum of 2)
• SIS/SAS Coaches (maximum of one from each SIS/SAS program or in the absence of a SIS/SAS coach a suitably qualified nominee from the State Association)

For further details - click here for the National Selection Policy.