ORD MINNETT AUSSIE STINGERS - CANADA TEST MATCH SERIES 

GAME 2 | AUS 11 - CAN 12

The Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers have gone down fighting in their second match against Canada in Brisbane, 11-12.

It was a close match between the two sides, in their last official hit out before the 2024 World Aquatics Championships get underway in Doha next week.

Queenslander Alice Williams led the goal scoring for the Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers, with three goals. Tokyo Olympians Abby Andrews and Bronte Halligan both scored two goals, while Zoe Arancini, Tenealle Fasala, Sienna Green and Dani Jackovich all scored one each.

Captain of the Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers, Zoe Arancini, said while tonight’s result was disappointing, the camp with Canada has given them an opportunity to bring their new World Championships squad together.

“The training camp has been good.  The first part we were by ourselves and second part we had Canada join us, and we had a few hit outs with them before the Test Matches. 

“It’s been good to have Canada to train against as they are also going to the World Championships. 

“It’s given us the chance to trial new tactics, working out what we as the Aussie Stingers want to bring going toward the World Championships, Paris Olympics and beyond,” she said. 

The World Aquatics Championships  in Doha will be held from 2-18 February 2024, the first major international hit out for the Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers as they build towards the Olympic Games.

AUS 11 def by CAN 12: Abby Andrews (2); Charlize Andrews; Zoe Arancini (1); Tenealle Fasala (1); Keesja Gofers; Sienna Green (1); Bronte Halligan (2); Sienna Hearn; Danijela Jackovich (1); Tilly Kearns; Bridget Leeson-Smith; Genevieve Longman; Gabi Palm; Sofie Pontre; Alice Williams (3)

GAME 1 | AUS 15 - CAN 8

The Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers have delivered a strong 15-8 win over Canada tonight in Brisbane. 

It was the first official test match as part of the Australia and Canada pre-World Championships camp being held across south-east Queensland. 

The Aussies lead the match from the outset, with local Brisbane player Charlize Andrews the leading goal scorer for the team with four goals. 

It was a special night for Olympians Bronte Halligan and Gabi Palm who celebrated their 150 and 100 caps for Australia, respectively. 

For Brisbane local Gabi Palm, the opportunity to celebrate a milestone for Australia in front of a home crowd was a real honour. 

“It’s always a pleasure capping up for Aussie Stingers but to cap up for 100 games, playing in Brisbane in front of a home crowd it’s something really special. To also play alongside Bronte who is playing 150 games is also very special. 

“I love playing at home and hearing the ‘Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi’, nothing really beats that. And seeing familiar faces in the crowd is just awesome,” she said. 

After being in camp for a week with Canada, Palm said it was good to see some of hard world pay off in an official test match. 

“We’ve been working really hard so it’s really great to have a solid win against Canada. Some of things we have been practicing and building on have been coming into play and to see that pay off in a really good game was really promising leading into Doha [World Championships],” she said. 

For Halligan, she too relished the opportunity to mark her milestone for Australia in front of a home crowd. 

“It super exciting to make 150 games for Australia… I’m so honoured and so proud to represent Australia for 150 and to play with these chicks in front of a home crowd, it doesn’t really get much better than that.

“This squad we’ve got some oldies and some young faces playing their first few games for Australia… Keesja coming back who has been a big rock for the team for so long.  Everyone is just really excited for the next six months and the World Championships next month,” she said. 

The World Aquatics Championships  in Doha will be held from 2-18 February 2024, the first major international hit out for the Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers as they build towards the Olympic Games.

AUS 15 d CAN 8: Charlize Andrews (4); Zoe Arancini; Tenealle Fasala; Keesja Gofers (1); Sienna Green (1); Bronte Halligan (2); Sienna Hearn (1); Danijela Jackovich (1); Tilly Kearns (2); Bridget Leeson-Smith (1); Genevieve Longman; Gabi Palm; Sofie Pontre; Alice Williams (2)