Triton Celebrates 50 Years Since 1976 Australian Club Championship Victory

Over the Anzac Day long weekend in 1976, a young Triton Water Polo Club team travelled to Sydney to compete against the best club sides in Australia. Under the guidance of coaches William “Billy” Wallace and former Olympian Les Nunn, the team achieved what was considered an extraordinary feat — defeating Australia’s top players to be crowned the inaugural Australian Club Champions.

Fifty years on, Triton Water Polo Club proudly brought many of the original players, coaches and lifelong friends back together to celebrate this remarkable achievement at a special Reunion Luncheon held at Chez Pierre in Nedlands.

Hosted by Triton President Glenn “GT” Townsend alongside several long-time Club members, the event welcomed Les Nunn (Coach), Billy Wallace, Paul Williams, David Coote, Peter McArthur, Tony Richardson, Wayne Motteram and Belinda Brooks representing her father - Neil Brooks). Brad Hancock, currently overseas in Europe, was unfortunately unable to attend.

The luncheon also welcomed Tom Hoad — captain of the powerhouse Melville side at the time and Australian Olympic captain — whose stories and reflections added plenty of laughter and memories to the afternoon.

What made the 1976 achievement even more significant was that almost the entire Triton team had progressed through the Club’s own junior development program. These young players trained regularly against older and more experienced senior players, allowing them to rapidly develop their skills and progress through to A Grade, State and eventually Australian representative teams.

Following the championship victory, both Eddy Brooks and Paul Williams went on to represent Australia at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games.

The Reunion reflected not only on an incredible sporting achievement, but also on the lifelong friendships and strong Club culture that continues within Triton today. Many of the players still remain involved in water polo and continue representing Triton in International Masters competitions around the world.

Triton Water Polo Club proudly thanks the 1976 team for their contribution to the Club’s rich history and ongoing legacy within the sport.