QUEENSLAND THUNDER LOOKING TO CRASH OPPONENTS ON HOME SOIL

Queensland Thunder will be out to make the most of being the only Club to have a home ground advantage for the 2021 Australian Waterpolo League when all the action kicks off on 31 March in Brisbane.

The condensed version of the AWL will see the event staged in the Queensland Capital from 31 March - 7 April, to reduce the risks around travel restrictions and COVID measures.

For triple Olympian Bronwen Knox, she said they’ll be looking for the home crowd support in what will be a very unique AWL.

“I think there’s a bit of unknown, we’ve had six day road trips before but this is more condensed and high stakes, with more riding on it,” said Knox.

“We’ve spent a bit of time together this past year with no junior or senior teams moving around, we’ve been able to get in a lot of training.”

The Queensland Thunder women’s team won the crown in 2019, with Knox hoping the side can once again mix it with the best.

“We’ve always been pushing to be in the top few teams, and we want to keep having games and pushing not only ourselves but the other teams as well.

“Our men’s team will be interesting, there’s a few boys returning in (Olympians) Anthony Martin and Billy Martin lending their experience to some of the young guns will open up more doors,” she said.

Knox said the water polo community from her home city of Brisbane will have plenty on offer.

“It will be fantastic to have all the events here in Brisbane.  Brisbane has had Youth Champs here the last couple of years and to have the national league will be so amazing.

“I’m looking forward to showcasing our city at a wonderful time of year,” she said.

Queensland Thunder women have bolstered there side in the off season, with the return of a few key players.

“Gabi (Palm) and Alice (Williams) have returned home this season, so it’s great to have them back. But we’ve also got Bridget Leeson-Smith and Sophie Milliken home too - we’ve been able to assemble a nice team,” Knox said.

“We’ve spent enough time together now, we train together almost every day and those relationships should really shine through come the AWL season,” she said.

Knox added that she is also excited to see some of her fellow Queensland Olympians back in the pool for the men’s team.

“The men’s team will be interesting, there’s a few boys returning in Anthony Martin and Billy Miller - they’re experience is invaluable,” Knox said.

“Lending their experience to some of the young guns they’ve got in their side too will open up more doors and more opportunities for those kids.

“They’re a really exciting prospect and I’m looking forward to seeing them in action.

The 2021 Australian Waterpolo League will kick off in Brisbane on Wednesday 31 March, with teams battling it out across seven days of competition before the all important finals at Brisbane Aquatic Centre on Wednesday 7 April.

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

For tickets to the 2021 Australian Waterpolo League - click here

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