2025 Australian Country Championships Conclude After Week of Competitive Water Polo

The 2025 Australian Country Championships wrapped up on May 10 at the Griffith University Pool on the Gold Coast. Over the course of a week, thirteen teams — seven women’s and six men’s — competed fiercely for the national title, representing regions from across Australia.

Women’s Division Results

In the women’s division, Queensland Maroon secured the championship after an impressive tournament run. They faced New South Wales (NSW) in the gold medal match, overcoming tough competition to claim the top spot.

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) earned the bronze medal with a strong 19–8 win over Victoria. The bronze medal game saw ACT pull away after a closely contested first quarter by stepping up their defense and scoring efforts.

The final standings for the women’s division were:

1. Queensland Maroon

2. New South Wales

3. Australian Capital Territory

4. Victoria

5. Tasmania

6. Western Australia

7. Queensland Gold

Men’s Division Results

The men’s tournament was equally competitive. NSW came out on top, securing the gold medal after a hard-fought final against ACT, who took the silver.

The bronze medal match was a tight affair, with Queensland Maroon narrowly defeating Victoria 10–9 in a closely contested game that had spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

The men’s final rankings were:

1. New South Wales

2. Australian Capital Territory

3. Queensland Maroon

4. Victoria

5. Australian Defence Force (ADF)

6. Queensland Gold

Tournament 7 Player Selections

The Tournament 7 is an annual recognition of the seven standout players from each division, based on their performances throughout the championships.

These players were selected for their consistent impact on the games and leadership shown during the competition.

Tournament Highlights

The championships featured many close matches throughout the week, with teams from ACT, NSW, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, Western Australia, and the ADF battling intensely. The opening day set the tone, with matches like the women’s ACT versus Tasmania rematch and men’s NSW versus ACT replay showing high levels of skill and competitiveness.

Several games were decided by narrow margins, reflecting the strong and evenly matched field of competitors. The bronze medal matches in both divisions were particularly thrilling, with ACT’s women and Queensland Maroon’s men edging out their opponents for the medals.

Thanks and What’s Next

Water Polo Queensland extends thanks to all athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and supporters whose efforts made the 2025 Australian Country Championships successful. The event was a valuable showcase of talent from regional water polo communities and highlighted the ongoing growth of the sport across the country.

Special thanks go to Griffith University Pool and the local Gold Coast community for providing excellent facilities and support throughout the tournament.

Congratulations again to all teams, Tournament 7 players, and everyone involved in making this year’s championships a success. We look forward to the 2026 event and seeing the continued progression of country water polo in Australia.