The national team of Australia returns to action after almost of eight months without official competitions.
The “Aussie Sharks “will play in Group B of Division 1 of the World Cup in Podgorica from March 8 to 14. Their rivals will be Montenegro, Serbia, Spain, Greece and Georgia.
The games in Podgorica will be Australia men’s first official matches after the World League Super Final, held in Strasbourg in July. Meanwhile, the team gathered at the preparations. Recently it played a series of friendly matches against Japan.
The head coach Tim Hamill announced the 17-player roster. He says the World Cup squad is a great mix of youth and experience.
“Due to their European club commitments, the overseas based players weren’t able to join us for the camp in Perth with Japan, so we’re looking forward to them rejoining the squad in Montenegro”, Hamill said for the Australian Water Polo Federation’s website.
Most experienced aces are on the roster, like co-captains Blake Edwards and Nathan Power. Two Barceloneta players – goalkeeper Nic Porter and Luke Pavillard will join the team for the first time this year. Aaron Younger (Pro Recco), who missed the last year’s World Championships and the World League, won’t play in the World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Division 1.
Before the tournament, the “Sharks “will train with Montenegro in Kotor.
Roster for Podgorica
Goalkeepers: Nic Porter, John Hedges. Field players: Marcus Berehulak, Matthew Byrnes, Blake Edwards, George Ford, Andrew Ford, Angus Lambie, Keenan Marsden, Tom McJannett, Sam Nangle, Charlie Negus, Joseph Parnis, Luke Pavillard, Chaz Poot, Nathan Power, Tim Putt.
Follow the results and statistics of the World Cup Division 1 Total Waterpolo Arena
