National captain Blake Edwards has led the Drummoyne Devils to a drought-breaking maiden men's triumph in the Australian Water Polo League.
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After finishing second five times, the Devils finally broke through for their first title by beating the Sydney Uni Lions 11-10 in the final at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre on Sunday.
"It's a phenomenal achievement, and for the club it means so much," Edwards said.
"We've had some tough years, coming really close in a similar situation, and to finally achieve that milestone it just means the world."
Edwards' brother and fellow Olympian Lachlan Edwards was also a member of the winning Drummoyne outfit.
"We've had many losses in grand finals, from Victoria to USC and with Drummoyne," said the Aussie Sharks skipper.
"So to finally get one done ... hopefully the curse is finished now and buried."
In the women's gold-medal match, Griffith University Queensland Thunder won a third national title.
A star-studded Thunder line-up, including seven members of the Australian Olympic squad, proved too good for the Fremantle Marlins in a 13-9 triumph.
Queensland Thunder captain and Tokyo Olympian Elle Armit said it was great to finish the season on a high.
"We've worked hard all season, we've come together well. We've had girls in and out of the squad with Stingers commitments, and we're just really excited to get here at the end," Armit said.
Australian Associated Press
