ZOE ARANCINI SET TO NOTCH UP SPECIAL MILESTONE IN NEW ZEALAND THIS WEEKEND

Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers captain Zoe Arancini is set to notch up her 300th game for Australia at the Oceania Olympic qualifiers in New Zealand this weekend.

Arancini made her debut for Australia in 2009, and has since gone on to represent her country on 298 occasions, played in the green and gold and two Olympic Games, and take on the captaincy role in 2022.

“It’s a huge honour and a huge privilege to have been playing for my country for such a long time,” Arancini said.

“From when I played my first game in 2009, to now, there are so many people that have been involved in the journey.

“I’m really grateful to be able to all of them who have helped me get to where I am today,” she said.

Arancini will join a very elite group of Australian women’s water polo players to have played 300 or more games for their country, that includes dual Olympic bronze medalist Mel Rippon, and former Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers captains Bron Knox and Rowie Webster.

“It’s super special to join the 300 club and I’m really grateful to be able to do that. To be able to add my name to that list, while being the captain as well, is a huge honour,” Arancini said.

“I love playing for my country, and to be able to captain on this special occasion too, with the current group of girls that we have…it will be a very memorable one and I’m really honoured,” she said.

Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers Head Coach Paul Oberman offered his congratulations to Arancini for reaching this memorable milestone.

“300 games is a massive milestone for any elite athlete, and I’d like to congratulate Zoe on an incredible career,” Oberman said.

“Zoe is a fantastic player, and a stalwart of the Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers, having been a part of the squad for the last 14 years.

“She has been a great captain and leader for this group, and I look forward to seeing her continue to grow in this role as we work towards the Paris Olympic Games next year,” he said.

OCEANIA OLYMPIC QUALIFIERS

Game 1 | Australia v New Zealand | Friday 11 August | 5.30pm AEST / 7.30pm NZST | WATCH LIVE

Game 2 | Australia v New Zealand | Saturday 12 August | 4pm AEST / 6pm NZST | WATCH LIVE

Game 3 | Australia v New Zealand | Sunday 13 August | (If required)