Just like the Brisbane weather, the water polo action has been on fire for day two of the 2026 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships.
14&U and 18&U teams have been battling it out in pools across Brisbane, with action being streamed across three pools on KommunityTV – watch the replays here.
Experiencing AYWPC for the first time, Gypsy Siggers and Harriet McAvoy from 14&U Girls Tasmania White team have been enjoying playing such a big event on the national calendar.
“It’s such a good opportunity and experience and I’m so excited for this trip. It’s so different to back at home,” McAvoy said. “I love team sports personally. It’s a lot of fun.”
Siggers has also enjoyed the first two days at Brisbane Aquatic Centre and had a fun time getting to know the team and the game.
“I’m looking forward to playing and getting to know our team better and just exploring a new place.
“I love that it’s so fun. It’s a quick game so you can really give it your all,” Siggers said.
From Perth to Brisbane, John Neesham from 14&U Boys Melville Saints is having a great experience in Brisbane so far, playing at both Somerville House and Brisbane Aquatic Centre pools.
“It’s been really good. This is my second ever AYC and it’s been really fun with my mates. I’m really looking forward to playing and having fun.”
Across at All Hallows School, Melville 18&U player Callum Redelinghuys is hoping the team can fight for a medal on the final day of week one at AYWPC.
“The team’s been playing good. We’ve had one loss which is quite unfortunate. We had a good win today against the Polo Bears. I’m looking forward to the games for the rest of the tournament.
“We’re hoping to play in a medal match. Besides that, just seeing what else Brisbane has to offer,” he said.
The tournament has welcomed international teams, including the SWPSA U18 Boys team from South Africa. Player Michael Mafunda has been loving his time in Australia so far.
“It’s been great. The city is amazing. We’ve been exploring every inch of the city on our Lime scooters and wandering around. The weather, the people, the food – it’s been amazing.”
In the pool, the team has banked two wins and a draw so far and Mafunda said the best is yet to come for his team.
“We haven’t given our best yet but we’re looking to increase our level of intensity and we know that other teams will match it as well. I’m excited to see how far we get and to play the rest of the tournament.”
For Amelie Hoefel from 18&U Mermaids Pink, she’s lapping up the experience of finishing her final AYC on home turf.
“The team is hyped at the moment because for some of us, it’s our last time. We’ve grown up with this competition for so long and this is the big event of the year. Everyone always looks forward to it.
“We’re just trying to make the most of it by spending as much time together as we can and starting every game with an absolute high – listening to some bangers and dancing around having fun.”
With the team on a winning streak, Hoefel is optimistic of finishing the week with a medal.
“We’ve won all of our games so far but you never know what’s up ahead. We’ve got some hard teams still to come. All we can do is hope we play our best and as long as we come out of the game knowing that we’ve given it our all, that’s all that matters.”
For all the results from day two of the 2026 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, click here.
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