As we hit the halfway point of the second week of the 2026 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships in Brisbane, teams are putting on a show as finals edge closer.
Water polo action is being streamed across three pools on KommunityTV all week long. Watch the replays for 12&U and 16&U matches from day three here.
For UWA’s Jack Hales, the 12&U Boys Gold competition has delivered exactly what he was hoping for.
“My experience at AYC has been fun – lots of goal scoring. We’ve had some very fast games. It’s very good for kids trying to build up confidence and experience,” he said.
And when it comes to highlights so far?
“Winning! We’ve had some good games.”
Hales is also making the most of being in Brisbane.
“It’s one of my favourite places. There’s lots of good surfing around here.”
In the 12&U Girls Gold competition, Zara Dunstan from St Rita’s College is relishing the close contests early in the tournament.
“We drew our first game against Drummoyne and just lost by one to UTS Balmain,” she said. “It’s fun because it’s local and exciting to play the teams here. It feels really competitive.”
With plenty of interstate talent in the mix, Dunstan is eager to test her team against new opposition.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how we go against other clubs from other states and seeing how good we go as well.”
Over in the 16&U Girls Gold division, UNSW West teammates Milly and Tilly are building momentum as the tournament progresses, both competing in their third AYC.
“It’s been really good. Our team has come together over the past few months,” Milly said. “It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. We’ve lost some, we’ve won some so we’ll see how we go.”
With finals looming, Milly is embracing the pressure.
“I’m definitely excited about the quarter finals, semi finals – hopefully we make it there. I just love the tension.”
Tilly echoed the growth within the squad across each AYC campaign.
“I feel like every AYC, our team gets better and better. Our team bond grows as well,” she said. “We’re going pretty good. Last game, we played pretty well as a team. We’ve definitely worked on some stuff that we needed to.”
For Tilly, it’s all about continued improvement as the week unfolds.
“I’m excited for how much our team can grow during this tournament – see how much better we can get.”
Meanwhile, local support is proving a major advantage for Brisbane-based teams, including Mantas Blue’s Nicholas Doherty in the 16&U Boys Gold competition, who is competing in his fourth AYC.
“My AYC experience has been really good. I’m having fun with my team. Since we’re a Brisbane team, we’re close and staying together for the event,” he said.
With strong competition across the board, Doherty is keen to test his side against interstate opponents.
“I’m keen to play one of the Sydney Uni teams because we’re a pretty good team and we’re going to have a great experience playing the other teams.”
Having family and friends in the stands has added to the experience.
“We have most of our family, like grandparents, coming down to watch us. Since we’re in Brisbane, we have most of our family here. We also have friends that can come and watch when we play so it’s nice to have a lot of supporters around.”
With finals fast approaching, the stage is set for an exciting back half of the week as teams push for a place in the knockout rounds.
For all the results from day three of week two of the 2026 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, click here.
Looking to make the most of your trip to Brisbane? We’ve got you covered. Explore the river city and find all the best things to do in Brisbane here.
