Day four of the second week of the 2026 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships in Brisbane has seen teams continue to build momentum, with improvement, resilience and team connection on full display with finals matches scheduled for tomorrow.
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 four here.
In the 16&U Girls Green competition, Nordek teammates Georgia Phillips and Anika Punzmann are embracing their third AYC, focusing on growth and enjoyment despite tough results.
“It’s been very good. My team is very nice and it’s just been my favourite competition ever since I started playing,” Phillips said.
While the scoreboard hasn’t gone their way, Phillips is proud of the team’s efforts.
“Although we’ve lost all of our games, we work well as a team and I just think we’ve played really well.”
With a clear focus on development, she’s looking to keep building her game.
“I really want to work on improving more of my skills.”
Teammate Punzmann echoed the positive team environment and steady improvement throughout the tournament.
“I really like it. I like how everyone comes together as a team and it’s really fun,” she said.
“I think from the first game, we’ve definitely improved a lot. We have lost a couple of games but that’s okay. We can still improve more and that’s good.”
In the 16&U Boys Gold competition, local player Charlie Cartia from Mantas Blue is making the most of competing on home turf.
“It’s been good. Being in Brisbane, it’s local. We don’t have to travel too far and we enjoy playing in our home pools,” he said.
Familiarity with the venues could prove to be an advantage as the competition progresses.
“We’re more familiar with the pools. We might be more comfortable than other teams.”
Cartia is also eager to take on international opposition.
“I want to play the overseas teams who have travelled here to play. I think they’ll be interesting to play against. Hopefully we can beat them.”
For RiverCity Sharks’ Alexandra Kingsmill in the 12&U Girls Green division, the week has been all about fun, community and connection.
“It’s been a really fun week. It’s very fun playing against different teams from around Australia,” she said.
“I just like seeing how other people play and watching and coming together as a community.”
Her love for the sport is simple and clear.
“I love swimming. I love hanging out with my friends. Water polo includes all of that. I like scoring goals too I guess.”
With strong support in the stands, the atmosphere has added to the experience.
“Whenever we do something good, there’s a huge clap. It’s cool and motivating!”
Meanwhile, 12&U Boys Green UWA Blues player Knox Melvin is making the most of his first AYC, embracing both the competition and the camaraderie.
“My AYC experience has been pretty good. It is my first time. I’ve enjoyed this one a lot. It’s been a very good bonding experience,” he said.
For Melvin, the opportunity to learn and improve each game is what makes the tournament special.
“If you do something wrong, you get to play the team again and you can correct your mistakes.”
With finals in sight, he’s excited for what’s still to come.
“I’m looking forward to competing, hopefully in the finals. It’s fun, it’s energising, it’s very good and I’ve made new friends.”
Attention for top 12&U and 16&U teams are now on the medals matches taking place at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre on Saturday 18 April.
For all the results from day four of week two of the 2026 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, click here.
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