Brooke Dickie

REALISTICALLY, Brooke Dickie was only ever going to play water polo.

While she dabbled in netball as a youngster, watching her father, Brendan, play most weekends made her decision inevitable.

“Dad always played for Sharks and I just followed him around everywhere,” the Xavier High School student said.

“I pretty much tagged along with him all of the time.

“I played netball as well when I was younger, but when all the rep stuff started coming and I chose to go to water polo.

“I’m glad I did.”

So is the Ovens and Murray Water Polo Association.

Dickie soon developed into a star centre-forward for Sharks with long-time teammate Leah Dodd having front row seats as she has gone from strength to strength.

The 17-year-old spent a week in Japan in November with the 2020 Olympic development squad and toured Europe with the Born 1998 side.

Dodd said it had been a huge thrill to follow the careers of Dickie and fellow Sharks youngster Bridget Johnston.

“Brooke and Bridget have been in all the rep teams together and made a lot of sacrifices along the way,” Dodd said.

“It’s great to see them rewarded for the effort they put in.

“Brooke is a really good team player.

“She brings everyone into the game and is a really encouraging and fantastic team person.”

Dickie hopes the experienced gained in Japan will hold her in good stead when selectors name the Born 98 side to contest the world championships in New Zealand in September.

‘It was just a really good experience in Japan,” she said.

“I learnt a lot from playing with senior girls, plus the different culture and style of water polo.

“It’s mobile and quick over there and you learn so much.”

For the moment though, Dickie and fellow Born 98 player Johnston are working hard with enormous hours being spent swimming, practising and working out in the gym.

The pair regularly travel to Melbourne to play in the National League for the Victorian Seals.

“It’s our second year in the National League and we probably go to Melbourne every week or fortnight,” she said.

“Heaps of hours go into it but it’s well worth it. “Most of the girls are from metro areas so I’m really lucky to have Bridget to travel with.”

The Young Achiever of the Year winner will be announced at the Commercial Club on February 26.