Historic Victories and Champions Crowned at 2026 Australian Water Polo League Finals

It was a historic afternoon for the 2026 Australian Waterpolo League (AWL) Finals with the Cronulla Sharks women’s team winning their first AWL title since 2012 and the UNSW Wests Magpies clinching a record ninth men’s AWL championship. 

In the women’s final, the Cronulla Sharks dominated the opening period, firing six goals to the back of the net to lead 6-2 at the end of the first quarter. 

The Lions scored the first two goals of the second quarter to add pressure to the Sharks defence, however the Sharks attack continued to flourish, keeping their four goal advantage at half time (9-5). 

The powerful opening quarter from the Sharks proved to be the difference, holding off a fighting Lions team in the second half to clinch the 2026 AWL Women’s championship, winning 15-12. 

2024 Paris Olympic silver medallist and Sharks centre forward Danijela Jackovich won both the Debbie Watson Medal (Player of the Season) and the Pat Jones Medal (Player of the Finals Series). The New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship holder said the team had to do what they’ve done all season to get the remarkable victory for the club. 

“We knew Sydney Uni we’re going to come with a lot of fight, they’ve fought through this whole tournament. We just had to stick together and play our game, back each other and we came out strong. I’m so proud to be standing here as a AWL Champion. 

Jackovich’s first season with the club began in 2021 where they finished second.

“We talk about Cronulla, we have that underdog mentality. It’s the first time in our history that both our men’s and women’s teams have played in [grand] finals so we knew going into it that we had done something historical this year. 

“We’ve just gotten better and progressed every week. Our young girls are backing us, they are coming to our games. It’s so good to give back and see the whole club get around us. I think that is something really special moving forward,” she said. 

In an outstanding season for not only the club but Jackovich herself, she said these last two seasons have reignited her love for the sport and credits the team for her individual accolades. 

“I’m a centre forward and they make me look good. They give me the ball at the right time. We are so dangerous from every position both offensively and defensively – it’s a full team effort,” she said. 

The men’s game was a hotly contested match as the Cronulla Sharks challenged the eight-time champions UNSW Wests Magpies. The Magpies led only by one goal at quarter time, but quickly whipped into gear in the second quarter to finish 11-8 at half time. 

The Magpies used their experience and resolve under pressure to pull away and claim a 17-13 victory and a record-breaking ninth AWL title. 

UNSW Wests Magpies captain Nathan Power said it’s special to see how far the club has come to come away with the historic achievement.

“When we think about our club, it comes from our culture. It started 60 years ago. To think about all the people who played before and to look at the position our club is in now, it’s really special,” he said. 

Power took over as the UNSW Wests Magpies captain this season where they finished the regular rounds undefeated. 

“To take the reins this year, it’s a badge of honour I wear really proudly. Then to see this phenomenal young group and just how much they wanted it and how hard they worked, I’m very proud of all of them,” he said.

UNSW Wests Magpies also won the two individual medals for the 2026 AWL season. Matthew Byrnes was awarded the Charles Turner Medal for the Player of the Season and Nic Bicari was crowned the Tom Hoad Medal for the Player of the Finals Series. 

The Cronulla Sharks won the Peter Kerr Trophy, awarded to the champion club of the season. The award is presented to the club with the most competitions points across the Across the men’s and women’s championships. 

Griffith Uni Queensland Thunder defeated the UTS Balmain Tigers in a dramatic penalty shoot out to claim the women’s bronze medal. In the men’s bronze medal match, the Drummoyne Devils won against the Fremantle Mariners