Following a long domestic season, the Fremantle Marlins are heading into the Australian Water Polo National League Finals in confident mood, hoping to upset the undefeated Brisbane Barracudas for a shot at their first national title since 2008.
With Finals week being held at the Valley Pool in Brisbane, and the Barracudas boasting a perfect home and away season record, the Marlins face a tough assignment, but appear to be hitting their straps at the best possible time.
The Marlins face the title favourites in the final match of first day of finals week action, with two top ranked teams playing off for the whip-hand in the subsequent cross over matches.
To simplify, should the Marlins win their match with the Barracudas, they will assume the top ranking spot ahead of match day two of Finals week. Top ranking, would grant the Marlins a play-off match with the lowest ranked, sixth placed side, or again simplified, the lowest ranked of the defeated sides from day one of finals matches, for the right to progress through to the semi-finals.
The all important day one clash is scheduled for Thursday at 5.30pm Perth time with both sides knowing a win here, would make a grand final appearance all the more accessible.
The Brisbane Barracudas head coach Fabio Pavanello told the official Water Polo Australia website that regular season form would count for little come Thursday’s blockbuster.
“We’ve had an exceptional season to date but that doesn’t mean too much during finals,” Pavanello said.
“Everyone is quite realistic. We’ve played a lot of finals campaigns. So not losing a game throughout the whole year means nothing, if you’re not prepared.
“We will take it one game at a time and the win could be anyone’s on the day.”
Pavanello’s words strike particularly prophetic given the Marlins are welcoming back International WAIS athlete Zoe Arancini and will have Olympians Gemma Beadsworth (WAIS) and Glencora McGhie (WAIS) all available together for the first time this season.
The remaining finals sides for this year’s NWPL are: Victoria Seals, UTS Balmain Tigers, Sydney University Lions and the Queensland Breakers – who have the added bonus of home pool advantage.
