The Magpies defeat Cronulla 17–13 to complete an undefeated season, securing a ninth Australian Water Polo League championship and reinforcing a sustained era of dominance in Australian water polo.
The UNSW Wests Magpies have further cemented their place as the dominant force in Australian water polo, claiming the Australian Water Polo League championship for the ninth time with a 17–13 victory over Cronulla. The result secures back to back national titles and adds to a sustained period of success that has defined the competition over the past decade, reinforcing the Magpies’ standing as the benchmark program in the country.
Cronulla struck first, capitalising on an early exclusion to open the scoring, but the Magpies responded immediately through Matthew Byrnes, a UNSW Elite Athlete Program member, who levelled the match with a composed finish from the perimeter. From there, UNSW Wests began to assert control, generating multiple front court opportunities and drawing exclusions that allowed them to build momentum through structured six on five play.
By the end of the first quarter, the Magpies had edged ahead, with Nic Bicari converting from close range and Nathan Power, a UNSW graduate, directing traffic in attack to ensure clean entries into the centre forward. Their ability to shift the ball quickly across the top created space on the wings, forcing Cronulla into repeated defensive rotations, while John Hedges, also a UNSW Elite Athlete Program member, provided composure and structure in possession.
The second quarter proved decisive. UNSW Wests stretched the margin through a series of well worked possessions, with Byrnes again influential, finding the back of the net twice in quick succession to push the lead beyond a single goal. Cronulla attempted to stay within reach through counterattack opportunities, but the Magpies’ defensive recovery limited clear looks at goal, with their goalkeeper producing key stops to halt any momentum swings. Timothy Putt, a UNSW graduate, also contributed to maintaining defensive organisation during this period.
At halftime, UNSW Wests held a multi goal advantage, having converted efficiently on extra man opportunities while maintaining discipline defensively. Their ability to control tempo was evident, slowing the game when needed and accelerating through transition when Cronulla pressed higher up the pool.
Cronulla responded in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to two goals after capitalising on a turnover and drawing consecutive exclusions. However, each time the Sharks threatened to close in, the Magpies answered. Bicari’s presence inside continued to create problems, earning penalties and exclusions, while perimeter shooting from UNSW Wests ensured the scoreboard continued to tick over.
Heading into the final quarter, the Magpies maintained a buffer that allowed them to manage the closing stages with composure. Rather than forcing shots, they worked through full possessions, prioritising high percentage opportunities and limiting Cronulla’s ability to generate fast breaks. A late goal from Byrnes effectively sealed the result, extending the margin and removing any remaining doubt.
The 17–13 scoreline reflected the attacking quality of both sides, but also highlighted the Magpies’ efficiency in key moments. Their conversion rate on extra man opportunities proved a clear point of difference, as did their ability to respond immediately after conceding.
Byrnes finished as a central figure in the final, continuing the form that saw him named Player of the Season, while Bicari’s impact on the interior earned him Finals MVP honours. Around them, the Magpies’ structure held firm, with Power’s leadership ensuring the team remained organised under pressure and consistent in execution.
This victory caps an undefeated 2026 campaign and secures back to back championships for UNSW Wests, reinforcing their position as the benchmark in the Australian Water Polo League. With nine titles now to their name, the Magpies’ ability to combine individual performance with team structure was again on display when it mattered most.
In a final where Cronulla repeatedly tested them, UNSW Wests did not rely on a single run of goals or moment of brilliance. Instead, they controlled the match across four quarters, executed in key situations and closed out the game on their terms, a performance that underlined exactly why they remain the team to beat in Australian water polo.