The final round of the 2026 Australian Waterpolo League (AWL) season delivered tight contests across both the men’s and women’s competitions, with teams battling to keep their seasons alive and secure a place at the AWL Finals Series in Sydney.
With several finals-bound teams facing off against each other in the fifth round, this week also offered a preview of the matchups and intensity that could be on display next week.
Catch up on all the highlights from Round 5 here…
Cronulla Sharks finish first in women’s competition
The Cronulla Sharks women’s team have finished the final round on top of the ladder as they look to win their first AWL title since 2012.
The Sharks were tested in the fifth round, coming up against the UTS Balmain Tigers and Sydney Uni Lions, who both sit below them in second and third. The Sharks finished with two close victories against the Lions. They also went toe-to-toe with the Tigers with both teams taking one win each against each other which will excite fans heading into the AWL Finals.
UWA Torpedoes handle pressure for perfect round
Sitting in sixth spot on the ladder coming into the final round, the men’s UWA Torpedoes team set to play their two closest rivals on the ladder – Victorian Phoenix and Griffith Uni Queensland Thunder.
The Torpedoes won all four matches at home to not only secure a finals spot but finish second on the ladder. Experienced players Ash Molthen and Andrew Ford both top scored with 10 goals each across the four matches.
UNSW Wests teams secure finals spots
The UNSW Wests Magpies dominance has been the story of the 2026 AWL season. The men’s team has finished the final round with 70 points, a remarkable 25 points ahead of second place. The team are firm favourites for back-to-back AWL titles.
With only two matches in the fifth round, the UNSW Wests Killer Whales won both games against the Hunter Hurricanes to jump the Drummoyne Devils on the ladder and secure a finals berth.
Fremantle teams finish with success at home
The Fremantle Mariners had a perfect round at home to climb the ladder and claim the last spot for the men’s AWL finals. The team showed grit in close matches against the Victorian Phoenix and determination to win in their games with the Griffith Uni Queensland Thunder.
The Fremantle Marlins were tested when facing the defending champions Griffith Uni Queensland Thunder. Both matches were kept to single digit scorelines, with both teams claiming one win each. The Marlins also claimed two victories against the Victorian Phoenix to ensure a trip to Sydney for the women’s AWL Finals.
For all results from Round 5, 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 – 70 points
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UWA Torpedoes – 45 points
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Drummoyne Devils – 43 points
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UTS Balmain Tigers – 42 points
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Cronulla Sharks – 41 points
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Fremantle Mariners – 37 points
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Victorian Phoenix – 30 points
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Griffith Uni Queensland Thunder – 26 points
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Hunter Hurricanes – 16 points
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Sydney Uni Lions – 10 points
2026 AWL Women’s Ladder
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Cronulla Sharks – 62 points
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UTS Balmain Tigers – 58 points
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Sydney Uni Lions – 53 points
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Griffith Uni Queensland Thunder – 49 points
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Fremantle Marlins – 44 points
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UNSW Wests Killer Whales – 33 points
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Drummoyne Devils – 30 points
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Hunter Hurricanes – 16 points
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UWA Torpedoes – 10 points
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Victorian Phoenix – 5 points
