Australian Waterpolo League – Weekend 4 Recap

Four rounds down, one to go! The 2026 Australian Waterpolo League (AWL) season is getting interesting as we near the finals. With clear favourites and close contests, it’s shaping up to be an exciting final round.

Catch up on all the highlights from Round 4 here…

UNSW Wests Magpies lock up top spot

The UNSW Wests Magpies have continued their dominant season as they head into the final round of the 2026 AWL season without a loss. Despite their Thursday night match with UTS Balmain Tigers not going ahead, the team finished the round with three more wins against the Tigers and Sydney Uni Lions.

Cronulla Sharks firm as favourites

The Cronulla Sharks women’s team had a successful road trip in Perth in Round 4. The team defeated the Fremantle Marlins and UWA Torpedoes in their home pools to drift 11 points clear of second place on the ladder.

Dani Jackovich and Dora Alaksza were commanding in the pool with 13 goals each across the four matches.

Meanwhile, the men’s team also notched up three wins on the away trip, losing their last match to the UWA Torpedoes. Their Round 4 performances have seen them climb up the men’s ladder from fifth to second. 

Defending Champs claim back-to-back wins

The Griffith University Queensland Thunder women’s team were back to their winning ways with two wins over the Victorian Phoenix. Bless Daly, fresh off her selection into the Women’s National Development Squad, was enormous for the Thunder scoring four goals in each game. The wins give the team a boost heading into the final round of the 2026 AWL season, pushing them back up into fourth position on the ladder.

Drummoyne Devils are making moves

Starting the round in sixth, the Drummoyne Devils men’s team have catapulted into third position with three wins in Round 4. The Devils won two tight battles with the UWA Torpedoes, with one match going to a penalty shootout (16-17). The team lost their first match against the Frementle Mariners (18-13), but bounced back in the second match to claim victory (6-8).

 For all results from Round 4,click here. 

For the current standings of the 2026 AWL season, click here.

2026 AWL Men’s Ladder

1. UNSW Wests Magpies – 62 points

2. Cronulla Sharks – 33 points

3. Drummoyne Devils – 32 points

4. UTS Balmain Tigers – 30 points

5. Victorian Phoenix – 30 points

6. UWA Torpedoes – 28 points

7. Griffith Uni Queensland Thunder – 26 points

8. Fremantle Mariners – 21 points

9. Hunter Hurricanes – 16 points

10. Sydney Uni Lions – 10 points

2026 AWL Women’s Ladder

1. Cronulla Sharks – 51 points

2. UTS Balmain Tigers – 46 points

3. Sydney Uni Lions – 45 points

4. Griffith Uni Queensland Thunder – 37 points

5. Fremantle Marlins – 31 points

6. Drummoyne Devils – 31 points

7. UNSW Wests Killer Whales – 25 points

8. Drummoyne Devils – 19 points

9. Hunter Hurricanes – 16 points

10. UWA Torpedoes – 5 points

11. Victorian Phoenix – 1 point