Knocking on Neven’s door – NSWIS water polo program earns high praise

The direction the NSWIS Water Polo program is heading under new Head Coach Neven Ćirković received a ringing endorsement from two respected members of the Institute’s alumni, Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallists Zoe Arancini and Keesja Gofers. 

Gofers represented the Sydney University team which finished second at the Australian Waterpolo League [AWL] Finals, while Arancini collected bronze as a member of Western Australia’s Fremantle Marlins. 

While both have taken a break from the Stingers’ squad and NSWIS program, they were at their competitive best at Sydney Olympic Park’s Aquatic Centre.  

Arancini is enjoying a year’s sabbatical from the pool to maximise her opportunity in starting her professional career as a sonographer: a medical imaging professional who operate ultrasound equipment. Gofers is enjoying devoting her time and energy her daughter Teleri while also working as a schoolteacher. 

However, they tracked how well the NSWIS scholarship players are progressing during the finals in which the Institute’s scholarship players represented Sydney University, the fourth-placed Balmain, fifth-placed Cronulla and sixth-placed Drummoyne.  

The pair described the NSWIS scholarship athletes’ performances were a positive reflection on the guidance Ćirković (pictured below) and his Assistant Coach Jacki Northam are providing the NSWIS squad. 

“The NSWIS program is fantastic,” enthused Arancini, who captained Australia to its memorable silver Olympic medal at Paris. “I know the Sydney Uni team have a lot of [young NSWIS scholarship holders] in that mix.  

“I’ve only heard great things about Neven as Head Coach. He stepped in to help at NSWIS a few times when I was there because Bec [Rippon, current Australian Stingers coach] was away. I thought he was fantastic; someone who brings something different – and that’s not to say the others didn’t. 

“He’s fresh and so keen. When Neven comes to training, he’s inspiring and innovative. From talking to the girls, they’re really enjoying themselves and from watching the ones who played [in the AWL finals] their fitness looks really good.  

“He was a good selection for the role, and in saying that it’s great Jackie is there and providing her support. The girls are happy to have her contributing to the squad. I also like with Neven on board, and with new girls that are coming through the ranks, there’s a great sense of ‘alright, let’s go’ as part of the new Olympic cycle.” 

From left-to-right: NSWIS athletes Zoe Arancini, Danijela Jackovich, Keesja Gofers, Genevieve Longman display the silver medals they won at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Gofers echoed Arancini’s sentiments.  

“I’ve been a part of the NSWIS program for more than half my life and it’s a great way to develop the athlete in terms of the physicality – the physical side – but also their water polo intellect,” she said. 

“For me, and I think for the girls coming through [that intellect] is sometimes the hardest part [of the game]. But it was great to see throughout this season our younger players have a ‘light globe’ moment.  

“And that’s through the club, and the NSWIS program, because they really do take the time to do video analysis. I think while we tend to focus on the ‘physical,’ when it comes to that ‘top end’ of water polo it really is the mental side.”  

Despite losing to Griffith University Queensland Thunder, Gofers commended the way Sydney University fought back from a 4-0 deficit to come within striking distance of taking the crown. She said it highlighted the qualities – particularly resilience – within the squad. 

Meanwhile, both Olympians threw their wholehearted support for the new look Stingers squad, which contains seven NSWIS scholarship holders and three NSWIS staff and leaves for China tomorrow to contest the World Cup final. 

“Australia is ready,” said Gofers. “There’s not only the incredible talent that was in the pool for the AWL finals, but there’s also incredible talent based overseas and they’ve been smashing it!   

“I’m excited for them to come back together and really focus on that Stingers’ culture, that Stingers’ drive, and start to show the world yet again what the Stingers are about.” 

AUSTRALIAN STINGERS WORLD CUP FINAL SQUAD, CHINA 

• Abbey Andrews 

• Charlize Andrews 

• Tayla Dawkins 

• Claire Durston (NSWIS) 

• Jess Emerson 

• Tenealle Fasala 

• Sienna Hearn (NSWIS) 

• Samantha Henderson (NSWIS) 

• Danijella Jackovich (NSWIS) 

• Alexi Lambert (NSWIS) 

• Genevieve Longman (NSWIS) 

• Olivia Mitchell (NSWIS) 

• Phillipa Pedley 

• Emma Putt  

• Alice Williams 

Stingers’ staff  

• Rebecca Rippon (Head Coach) 

• Scott Nicholson (Assistant coach) 

• Fabio Pavenello (Assistant coach) 

• Jocelyn Burnett (Manager/NSWIS) 

• Bernadette Petzel (Physiotherapist/NSWIS)  

• Josh Dipple (Performance Analyst/NSWIS) 

• Clare Van Dyk (Doctor) 

Story: Daniel Lane, NSWIS

Photos: Rachel Tingey/Mitch ‘D-Zine’ Soames