The rising stars of our sport have returned for the second day of the second week of the 2026 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships in Brisbane.
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 two here.
With 16&U teams playing at pools all across Brisbane, Tom Heaton from 16&U Boys UNSW Wests is enjoying his second AYC in Brisbane.
“It’s been pretty good. Brisbane’s a good city. We’ve lost a couple of our games but we won one this morning which is good,” he said.
The team is looking to improve each game.
“We’re pretty good in defence. We’ve not been so good in attack. But overall, it’s been pretty good,” Heaton said.
With international teams in the draw, Heaton is looking forward to playing new teams.
“I’m looking forward to playing Singapore. They are a national team so I reckon it will be a good game.”
For local players like Adelaide Bothwell and Lily Emu from 16&U Girls UQ Barras, they’re enjoying what an AYC in Brisbane offers them.
“It’s good in Brisbane because we can get all of our families to come and support us,” Bothwell said.
Her teammate Emu echoed her sentiments.
“It’s been pretty good. We’ve had really great weather as well. It’s always good having home games.”
The team is looking on track to have an impact in the competition, which Bothwell said is very exciting.
“It’s definitely really fun this year – it has been every year – but our age group is much more competitive which makes it more exciting,” Bothwell said. “I played 18&Us last week as well, which was a good experience. It was great to play with the older girls which has helped us prepare better for this week.”
“I think it’d be really fun to play more of the Sydney and WA teams because we don’t get to play them as much. I’d love to play SNB Breakers and UTS Balmain Tigers.”
Emu also said the team is playing well together and racking up plenty of goals already.
“We’re looking pretty confident going into the next games ahead. I think we’re ready to play anyone. We’re ready to win!” Emu said.
Drummoyne Devils 12&U Girls player Violet Benson is having a blast at her first AYC in Brisbane.
“The pools have also been really great. The refs have been really fair and it’s been a really amazing time.”
As the team progresses through the week, Benson is hopeful the team can compete for a medal.
“Even if we don’t get to the finals, we’re hoping for a couple of more wins this week,” she said.
After competing in his home state at AYC last year, Angus Gill from the 12&U Boys team from UWA is stoked to be at another event, especially away from home.
“I competed last year. Last year we didn’t win any games and so far this year we’ve won one game,” Gill said.
“I think Brisbane is a great place to play because there are a lot of Olympians who have come from here. It’s a big challenge for us to come and play here.”
Gill said AYC is an incredible opportunity to enhance your skills and get to know other teams.
“I love AYC because it’s a great place to see how other teams are going and try and see how good you are against other teams. It’s a fun experience,” he said.
For all the results from day two 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.
