Spain is a long way from the quiet surrounds of the Musgrave Pool in Brisbane, but for the last two and a half years of Anthony Martin’s life, the professional water polo scene in Europe has been his main focus.

In that time he has established himself as one of the leading players in the world, enjoying success with Barcelona based clubs Sabadell and Montjuic, while continuing his senior role within the Aussie Sharks set up.

Now, with the 2012 London Olympics on the horizon, the 26-year old is back in Australia hoping to impress selectors and seal his spot for his second Olympic games.

He is playing for the Brisbane Barracudas in the National Water Polo League (NWPL) and is enjoying the luxury of being able to play with his Aussie Sharks teammates more often.

Although his time in Spain will always remain close to him, Martin is hoping the decision to return to Brisbane will not only improve his combination with the squad but help secure Australia’s first Olympic medal in the sport.

“It’s good to be back training with a lot of the guys in the team,” Martin said.

“The last two and a half years I have been playing in Spain have produced really good water polo, but obviously it’s great to be back with the team and training as a unit.

“When I first thought there was a possibility I’d be coming back to Australia I was a little bit worried that I wouldn’t get the same level of water polo, but now being back home I’m actually really glad I’m here.

“There’s no doubt playing in Spain has vastly improved my water polo in the last few years, but coming back and having the opportunity to train more regularly with the team has been very beneficial for me.

“A lot of the other international teams are able to live and train together, which is something we can’t really afford in Australia, so these camps we are having at the moment are essential to get the systems and combinations together and I’m glad I can be part of them.”

Martin’s first Olympics in Beijing were of course a special one, and like all first-time Olympians, the Brookfield local was overawed by the whole occasion.

This time around Martin is fully prepared to deal with the excitement associated with the games, and the centre back is confident that he and his Sharks teammates can improve upon their disappointing tenth place finish.

“My first Olympics were definitely more of an eye-opener particularly having the excitement beforehand of knowing you were going to Beijing,” Martin said.

“Of course it was about business during the competition, but now in the lead-up to London it has been business all the way.

“Heading into this campaign, however, there are going to be new guys in the squad that will face the same situation that I was in.

“I’m just looking forward to helping these guys find the balance between enjoying the games and focusing on the job, and hopefully as a group we come away with what we want to achieve.”

The Sharks will wrap up their four day camp in Sydney on Sunday, before the players return to their clubs for the resumption of the National League.

Martin’s Barracudas are currently in fourth position on the NWPL ladder with eight wins and two losses and are in a tight tussle with the Victorian Tigers, UNSW Wests Magpies, Drummoyne Devils and Fremantle Mariners for top spot.

The Aussie Sharks’ will have two more training camps in Perth and Sydney before finalising Olympic preparations with the FINA World League preliminaries in May and finals in June.

Australian Water Polo Inc