Live stream: Magasanik family eye success with Melbourne Collegians at Australian Youth Water Polo Championships

Having the likes of Daniel and Samson Magasanik and Nick Mordes helps, but Melbourne Collegians’ success is a collective effort. See them LIVE at the Australian Youth Championships.

Melbourne Collegians are the definition of punching above your weight.

The Victorian water polo club might only be small in terms of player numbers but they have proven they can mix it with the best teams in the country.

And Collegians will have the opportunity to show their true power at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships from Saturday.

KommunityTV will showcase LIVE almost 100 games during the two-week tournament at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre, starting with a big day of U14 action on Saturday.

The fortnight is split into two five-day age tournaments, with the U14 and U18 teams competing from January 6-10 before the U12 and U16 teams take to the pool from January 12 to 16.

Daniel Magasanik regularly impresses on the national stage.

In just their U18 boys team alone, Collegians have Daniel Magasanik and Nick Mordes who are both involved in national team programs.

Magasanik recently trained with the men’s Australian team and is considered one of the country’s best young prospects.

His father, Simon, oversees Collegians U18s team and when he speaks about the success of the club, you can hear the pride in his voice.

“We’re lucky to have a lot of talented players in our program,” he said.

“We’re a lot smaller compared to other clubs we’ll play against. In the U18s, we’ve got around 15 or 16 players to go into our team of 12.

“Other teams that we will play against might have up to 150, it’s a massive difference.

“No matter what we’re up against, we’re going to go up there and give it our best.

“I’m not ruling us out from being in contention for a medal.”

With the Magasanik family leading the charge, Collegians look set for a big week in the water.

Simon has been involved in the sport for over 35 years while Daniel recently finished as the equal top scorer at the nationals.

He played in Victoria’s U19 team alongside his brother, Samson.

Nick Mordes playing for Collegians at the youth championships in 2022.

Simon said coaching his sons sometimes had its challenges, but was often rewarding.

“The boys have never called me dad, it’s Simon,” he said.

“Some people might think it’s a little different but I didn’t want there to be a point of difference to other players in the team.

“It’s become normal to coach them, it’s part of our lifestyle as a family.”

Simon is no stranger having success at this level ether.

He guided Collegians’ U14s team to Victoria’s first goal medal at the event back in 2020.

While two years ago, he mentored the U16 team that won bronze.

Collegians have always punched above their weight.

“It’s always a fantastic opportunity to compete at a national level,” he said.

“The recent national championships were played at a really high standard and we’re looking forward to seeing our state players back in club colours.

“We’ll have under-14, 16 and 18 teams up in Brisbane.”

Collegians U18 team won a bronze at the 2023 titles.