We’re now more than halfway through the 2026 Australian Waterpolo League (AWL) season. This round saw clubs win their first match of the season while teams have made moves on the ladder.
Catch up on all the highlights here…
UNSW Wests Magpies continue dominance
The UNSW Wests Magpies are making their quest for back-to-back titles known as they remain the only men’s team undefeated this season. The team have extended their lead on the ladder to 22 points with four wins this round against the UWA Torpedoes and Fremantle Mariners.
With UTS Balmain Tigers up next, can they look to continue their undefeated run?
Wins for Sydney Uni Lions
The Sydney Uni Lions men’s team have secured their first win of the season with a 20-18 victory over cross city rivals the UTS Balmain Tigers.
The women’s team have secured third spot on the ladder after Round 3 after their tight contests with the UTS Balmain Tigers, who currently sit in second place. The Tigers took the win 11-9 on Saturday before the Lions claimed a one-point victory on Sunday afternoon (11-10),
Cronulla Sharks on top of the table
The Cronulla Sharks women’s team faced their toughest test of the season in Round 3 – coming up against the defending champions, Griffith Uni Queensland Thunder. The Thunder secured a one-point win in the first clash of the teams (14-15) before the Sharks flipped the script on Friday with a 15-13 victory. The loss on Thursday is the only loss for the Sharks this season as they finish the round with a 93% win rate.
Drummoyne Devils move up the ladder
The Drummoyne Devils men’s team have jumped two spots up the ladder after winning three matches across Round 3. The Devils men won both matches against the Griffith Uni Queensland Thunder who sit above them on the ladder. Despite a close loss to the Victorian Phoenix, it’s a confidence boost for the Devils. Petar Mijuskovic was among their top scorers for the Devils with 15 goals to his name this round.
UWA Torpedoes secure first win
The UWA Torpedoes women’s team are no longer winless in the 2026 AWL season. Coming up against the Hunter Hurricanes at Lambton Pool, the Torpedoes came from behind in the last quarter to score four goals to win the match 10-8.
Perfect round for Fremantle Marlins
The Fremantle Marlins are back to their winning ways with four out of four wins in Round 3. With the victories against the Hunter Hurricanes and UNSW Wests Killer Whales on the road, the Marlins now leapfrog the defending champions on the ladder to fourth position.
For all results from Round 3, click here.
For the current standings of the 2026 AWL season, click here.
2026 AWL Men’s Ladder
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UNSW Wests Magpies – 48 points
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UWA Torpedoes – 24 points
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UTS Balmain Tigers – 23 points
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Griffith Uni Queensland Thunder – 26 points
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Cronulla Sharks – 20 points
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Drummoyne Devils – 20 points
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Victorian Phoenix – 23 points
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Fremantle Mariners – 17 points
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Sydney Uni Lions – 7 points
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Hunter Hurricanes – 8 points
2026 AWL Women’s Ladder
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Cronulla Sharks – 37 points
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UTS Balmain Tigers – 32 points
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Sydney Uni Lions – 29 points
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Fremantle Marlins – 27 points
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Griffith Uni Queensland Thunder – 27 points
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UNSW Wests Killer Whales – 23 points
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Drummoyne Devils – 19 points
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Hunter Hurricanes – 16 points
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UWA Torpedoes – 5 points
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Victorian Phoenix – 1 point
