Vic Countries Water Polo Championship Wraps Up in Spectacular Fashion

Winners, Albury Sharks, celebrate their win!

The Ballarat Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre was alive with energy over the weekend as the Victorian Country Water Polo Championships made its triumphant return to Ballarat. The atmosphere was fantastic, with players, and families coming together to celebrate the sport and the community spirit. It was a weekend filled with thrilling matches & talent, which reminds everyone why Water Polo is such a beloved sport across Victoria!

The competition throughout the tournament was fierce, with some nail-bitingly close matches. Teams from across the region brought their A-game, demonstrating skill, determination, and sportsmanship.

The Albury Sharks Women’s team showcased their strength and teamwork winning 10 – 4 in the final against the Pool Pirates, ensuring their name is etched on the perpetual shield. Over in the Men's Division, the Albury Tigers defeated Geelong Marlins in the semi-finals via a penalty shoot-out and went on to win an incredibly tight final match 10-9 over the Pool Pirates!

Individual brilliance was also on display all throughout the tournament, with young gun Lachlan Wheatley of the Pool Pirates earning the Men’s MVP award for his exceptional playmaking and leadership throughout the tournament. On the Women’s side, Leah Dodd of the Albury Sharks was named MVP, a fitting recognition of her outstanding contributions to her team’s success.

We are incredibly proud of all the athletes who participated in such a successful tournament.

In the coming weeks, the Vic Countries team will be announced, representing the region at the 2025 Australian Country Championships. The selection process promises to be a challenging one, given the depth of talent on display over the weekend. We can’t wait to see our team take to the national stage and continue to make Victoria proud.

A huge thank you to everyone who made this year’s championship such a success. From the players and coaches to the officials, volunteers, and fans, your passion and dedication are what make this event so great. A special thanks to Melinda Childs and the Ballarat Water Polo Club for helping make such a great weekend!

Here’s to another fantastic year of water polo and the continued growth of the sport in regional Victoria.

See you in 2026!

WPV Team

Honour Roll

Women's Division

Champions: Albury Sharks

Runners-Up: Pool Pirates

Third Place: Wondonga Yellow

MVP: Leah Dodd (Sharks)

Men's Division

Champions: Albury Tigers

Runners-Up: Pool Pirates