The 17-year-old enjoyed a superb Hume League netball season with Holbrook after moving up the court, and she's taken that form into the Ovens and Murray A-grade water polo competition with Sharks.

Durdin-Paul's performances have helped her side win six of their seven games so far and Sharks go into the Christmas break sitting top of the ladder after a 10-9 win over rivals Pool Pirates on Sunday.

"There's a lot of pressure on the goalie in games like that," she said.

"It was really competitive and I enjoyed it out there.

"I felt a bit of pressure but I'm more excited when I'm versing harder teams because of the adrenaline you get.

"I love community sport so it's really good to be in the pool, especially this close to Christmas.

"Playing this position, I focus on moving, so when they're passing it in the mushroom, I like to focus on being as agile as possible.

"I like to sit out of the cage as well because it gives you more coverage.

"That's why I have a pink mouth guard, to put them off. When they're coming at me, one-on-one, I smile at them, trying to be as scary as possible."

This is Durdin-Paul's fifth season of water polo and she's loving life in a strong Sharks side off the back of her netball exploits.

"We had a really good season out at Holbrook for under-17s," she said.

"I scored over 400 goals; it was the first time I've really tracked my numbers and got to showcase my goals because I'm still a junior.

"That's the first year I had a really good season. I was in defence so in the last two years, I've done the switch.

ALSO IN SPORT

"Being a defender, it's easier for a shooter because you know how the keeper plays.

"Having that knowledge made it easier for me to understand the game.

"I find it really interesting because in netball, I'm attacking and in water polo, I'm in defence.

"I always see myself as defence.

"When I'm shooting in netball, obviously I'm a shooter but I've always seen myself in defence.

"I like doing both but defending comes more naturally to me.

"I guess I've got broad shoulders and a bigger build, so defence comes naturally, but it's always enjoyable to have a go attacking on the netball court."

Sharks lead the women's competition on 19 points, ahead of Albury Tigers (15), Pool Pirates (13) and Northside/Wodonga (9).

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