Younger Hits Five as Sharks Claim Fifth at World League

The Australian men’s water polo team claimed fifth place at the FINA World League Super Final after a five goal effort from WAIS scholarship athlete Aaron Younger inspired the Sharks to a 12-7 win over Japan.

With the Super Final the last major tune-up ahead of August’s Olympic Games, the Australian team had been bullish about targeting a medal in China.

A one-goal defeat to the USA in the quarter final however, relegated Australia to the fifth place playoff. The men’s team ensured it would end the campaign on a high, outscoring Japan over the first three quarters to run out comfortable five goal victors.

Head coach Elvis Fatovic said the side was disappointed to miss the medal play-offs but remained confident his side will improve in Rio.

“Definitely I would like to finish the game in one of the top three places,” he said.

“Hopefully our best form will come at the Rio Olympic Games.”

“We controlled the game from the beginning. But in the second quarter we had some errors,” he said.

London Olympian Aaron Younger was dominant for the Sharks in their win over Japan, scoring a match high five goals.

He echoed Fatovic’s sentiments and believes the Australians are building nicely for Rio.

“It was disappointing to finish fifth but it was good to come here for the final game and put in a good effort and finish off the tournament well with a win.

“We’ve taken another step forward and keep building towards Rio. This really for us was a training step for the next phase and that’s the Olympics,” said Younger.