Australian water polo’s biggest individual honours have been claimed by two athletes at the top of their game, with Jacob Mercep and Tilly Kearns named the 2026 Water Polo Australia Senior Men’s and Women’s Players of the Year.
The awards recognise the outstanding impact both players have had over the past 12 months, rewarding consistent excellence at the highest level of the sport.
For Sydney University Water Polo Club’s Jacob Mercep, the honour is another milestone in an outstanding career. A key member of both the Lions and the Australian Sharks, Mercep has established himself as one of the country’s premier players through his leadership, work ethic and ability to perform in the biggest moments.
His award comes after another strong international campaign with the Sharks, who finished fourth at the World Aquatics Water Polo World Cup Finals in Sydney. Mercep played a vital role throughout the tournament as Australia produced one of its strongest performances in recent years, highlighted by a memorable victory over reigning world champions Spain.
On the women’s side, Tilly Kearns was recognised as Australia’s Senior Women’s Player of the Year following another exceptional season in the green and gold.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s best centre forwards, Kearns was instrumental in helping the Australian Stingers secure the bronze medal at the World Cup Finals. Her influence at both ends of the pool, combined with her consistency throughout the international season, made her a deserving recipient of the game’s highest individual honour in Australia.
While the pair enjoyed strong campaigns at the World Cup Finals, the Player of the Year awards recognise much more than a single tournament. They acknowledge a sustained level of excellence across the international season and the influence both athletes continue to have within Australian water polo.
Alongside Kearns, who continues to set the standard in the women’s game, the pair now join an elite group of athletes to have received Water Polo Australia’s highest annual individual honour.
Their recognition is not only a reward for an outstanding year but also a reflection of the strength of Australian water polo as both athletes continue to lead by example on the international stage.
