UWA Torpedoes looking forward to home pool advantage in second Western Derby

The first of two OVO Play live stream matches this round will light up your screens when UWA Torpedoes square off against Fremantle in the OVO Australian Water Polo League’s second Western derby.

Both clubs are coming off a demanding six games in six days schedule after completing their New South Wales road trip in round three.

Despite his team’s disappointment from round three results, UWA Torpedoes men’s Head Coach Florian Naroska believes it will be a big advantage for his team to play at home.

“It’s always an advantage to be at home, especially in the evening because you know the pool, the surroundings, the lighting, all the small things.

“Both teams know each other very well and we know what to expect from them and have to trust our systems to get the job done.

I am happy with our defence but I know we have to improve on our attack,” he said.

Opposition Head Coach, Laurie Trettel of Fremantle Mariners said his team are flying high after achieving their goal of five wins from six matches in round three.

“The boys are in high spirits after we achieved the goal, we would have loved to have won all our matches but it wasn’t to be.

“Our goal is to be in the top two at the end of the season, so it is important for us to win matches like this one.

“It’s always a grudge match, there is a deep mutual respect, but the rivalry is pretty great,” he said.

The Fremantle side is aware of the home pool advantage which UWA Torpedoes are holding.

“We are aware that it is the Torpedoes first home game and it is also the OVO Play live stream match, we are certainly entering enemy territory.

“The Torpedoes are going to be ready because every derby is extremely high energy, almost like a final,” said Trettel.

UWA Torpedoes women’s Head Coach Scott Schweickle and his team are feeling positivity heading into the second western derby.

“There has been a lot of positivity around training this week, we’ve recovered well from our road trip and know it won’t be an easy game tomorrow.

“There were some games which came down to the toss of a coin and didn’t quite go our way so we feel we have something to prove as a team.”

Schweickle and his team know what they have to improve on in tomorrow’s match to overturn an 8-4 defeat in the first Western derby of the season back in round one.

“We have to make sure our combinations work better than they did in the first round and I believe that with the time these girls have spent in the pool during the last week will help.”

“We are at full strength and have a big support base which we will need tomorrow night,” he said.

Schweickle summed up what fans watching can expect from his side with three solitary words, “passion, commitment, enjoyment.”

The Fremantle Marlins team sits higher on the OVO Australian Water Polo League ladder but will be taking nothing for granted.

After one win from six on their road trip, women’s Head Coach Bridget Ireland will be encouraging her side to lift for this crucial match.

The Marlins will be looking to regain some momentum with a win through their renowned tough physical style of play.

To view full fixtures for this weekend, click here.

Watch Western Derby number 2 LIVE via OVO Play.

UWA Torpedoes vs Fremantle Marlins
The University of Western Australia Fitness Centre, Friday February 23
Women’s match 7:00pm AWDT
Men’s match 8:30pm AWDT

Watch the Clash of the Cats LIVE via OVO Play.

UTS Balmain Sharks vs Sydney University Lions
Saturday February 24, Dawn Fraser Baths
Women’s match 2:00pm AEDT
Men’s match 3:15pm AEDT