The Sharks’ hopes of retaining their powerhouse status in women’s A grade water polo have taken a major hit with two star juniors set to leave the region.
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Australian representatives Brooke Dickie and Bridget Johnston will join the Sydney University Lions in the National League.
The dynamic duo will play the first few games before ramping up commitments with the national team ahead of the Women’s Youth World Championships in New Zealand in December.
“It will be interesting to see what impact that has because Albury looks to be on the improve from last year and will be close to one of the teams to beat,” Ovens and Murray Water Polo Association president Brendan Dickie said.
“I think the Sharks will have a real fight on their hands, but in saying that the club has great depth as they had two teams play off in the B grade grand final.”
Dickie and Johnston were key members of the premiership team which toppled Albury.
The Sharks have been the dominant force over the past decade, winning all but one title.
Leah Dodd has been a constant, and is still among the best players.
Albury continued to improve last season though, and with former club stalwart Maurice Eames returning to the region to coach the outfit, the Tigers will have their best chance to end the Sharks’ premiership run.
The fierce rivals will meet in the season-opener at Wodonga’s WAVES complex.
Meanwhile, the Sharks have lost their goalkeepers in the men’s top grade.
Liam Krautz has moved to Newcastle with the defence forces, while Jack Close has shifted south to Nowra.
“The Sharks have recruited Daniel Scott, who was the B grade keeper for Pool Pirates last season,” Dickie said.
“Most goalkeepers are reasonably experienced, although in saying that Dominic Bertazzo had his first full year in goal last season in A grade and played very well.”
Bertazzo was part of the Tigers’ title, and they have now won successive crowns on the back of the youth the club invested in.
Jimmy Scannell, Nick Dempsey and Jake Luhrs have been superb in the premiership years.
The Tigers toppled the Pool Pirates, who have also maintained the bulk of their team in recent years, with Matthew O’Connell and Danny Nugent playing key roles.
Northside is the underdog in the men’s competition, but the club has been gaining experience, with Tim Madden a crucial player.
Northside and the Pirates meet at the Albury Swim Centre, while the Tigers and Sharks meet at WAVES.
All the matches will be held on Sunday.
