WATER POLO: A five goal haul during the National Water Polo League All Star game has seen Olympic bronze medallist Nicola Zagame send a warning to her international rivals ahead of the Aussie Stingers campaign at the FINA World League Intercontinental tournament in Auckland, New Zealand.
The All Star fixture saw Australia’s best female water polo players, including five Olympic bronze medallists, battle it out for victory, with Zagame proving to be the game changing player for the winning South team.
Zagame, who spent much of 2014 on the sidelines with a shoulder injury, expressed her pleasure at being back in the Aussie Stingers team, saying that the All Star game was a good lead in to the World League event.
“It’s been a long road back to the team, I’m so happy to have earned my spot in the Stingers again. The team has a really good vibe about it at the moment; everyone’s fitness and skills are improving and it’s exciting to be a part of," Zagame said.
“For me personally, I expect to be at the same level of competitiveness I was at pre surgery. I need to be a workhorse for the team, and as a driver create counter attack opportunities and extra man plays.
“The All Star game was a great lead in to the world league. We play that game at 100 per cent intensity to prove ourselves, because we are naturally competitive and it’s a show of respect for each other.
“Even though it’s still a domestic competition, every player is of an international standard.”
Also selected in the Stingers team is two-time Olympic bronze medallist Gemma Beadsworth. Head coach Greg McFadden said that the inclusion of the Western Australian should only serve to strengthen the team, as will the inclusion of Zagame, Holly Lincoln-Smith and Lea Yanitsas who are also returning from injuries.
“It’s great to have Gemma return with the Stingers. We are expecting her experience to help lead the team and she proved what a quality player she is by being a standout performer at the world league rounds in the USA last year,” McFadden said.
“We are hoping she has improved on her form since then and will cause headaches for the opposition. The inclusion of Gemma can only strengthen our team and provide us with depth.
“I’m also pleased to see Nicola, Holly and Lea back in the team and they will also improve the depth of our squad.”
Meanwhile McFadden has also included a trio of up and coming players to the team, adding Brisbane’s Bronte Colenso and Ellodie Ruffin, as well as Sydney Northern Beaches local Bronte Halligan, saying that all three have a chance to display their talent on the international stage.
“Bronte Colenso has been included to replace Bronwen Knox at centre back and Bronte Halligan has been included to replace Glencora McGhie on the left wing, with both Knox and McGhie unable to attend due to work commitments,” he said.
“Ellodie has made the team courtesy of her good performances in national league and has also been rewarded due to her great work ethic during training and also games. She will come over as a utility player.
“Hopefully all three players can press for selection in the World League Super Final and FINA World Championships team.”
The Aussie Stingers will commence their Intercontinental tournament campaign against Japan on Tuesday April 28, with the tournament concluding with the final on Sunday May 3.
Aussie Stingers FINA World League Intercontinental tournament team
GK’s: Lillian Hedges (WA), Lea Yanitsas (NSW)
Field Players:
Zoe Arancini (WA), Gemma Beadsworth (WA), Isobel Bishop (NSW), Hannah Buckling (NSW), Bronte Colenso (QLD), Keesja Gofers (NSW); Bronte Halligan (NSW), Holly Lincoln-Smith (NSW), Ellodie Ruffin (NSW), Rowie Webster (Vic), Nicola Zagame (NSW)
Head Coach: Greg McFadden
Assistant Coaches: Dalibor Maslan, Georgina Kovacs, Predrag Mihailovic
Support Staff: Kirsten Peterson (Psychologist), Jenny Liessman (Manager), James Trotter (Physiotherapist)
WATER POLO AUSTRALIA
