“I am stunned and amazed at receiving such an incredible honour. I loved every minute of representing Australia and I thank everyone who helped me to achieve my goals,” Watson said.

The former Australian captain claimed gold in 2000, won the inaugural World Championship gold medal in 1986 and the 1984 and 1995 World Cups.

The Sydney schoolteacher also won silver in the Olympic Year Tournament in 1996, the World Cup of 1999 and bronze at the 1997 World Cup.

She was voted the World Female Player of the Year in 1993, played an Australian record 315 internationals and is the first water polo woman to be elevated to the ISHOF.

She joins a long list of Australian swimming legends, including Freddy Lane, Fanny Durack, Murray Rose, Dawn Fraser, Shane Gould and Kieran Perkins.