Marlins make state splash

THE Geelong Marlins are celebrating a major achievement after 10 players earned selection in Victorian representative squads.

Six Marlins represented Victoria Country at last month’s Australian Country Championships in Ballarat, where both the men’s and women’s teams securing bronze medals.

Kevin Yip, Kayne McBean and James Flaive were selected in the men’s side, while Claire O’Callahan, Matilda Sweeney and Regan Cumming featured in the women’s team.

Yip said representing both Victoria Country and the Marlins on the national stage was a special honour.

“After many years of playing water polo and first representing Victoria in 2005, I still felt the same mix of nerves, excitement and pride when pulling on the Victorian Country cap,” he said.

“Representing both Victoria Country and the Geelong Marlins remains a privilege and is something I never take for granted.

“The experience… was a proud moment for all involved and highlights the growing strength of water polo in the Geelong region.”

The club’s success has also flowed through to its junior ranks, with four Marlins selected in Victoria’s under-15 East Coast Challenge squads.

Dylan Parnell, Freddie Robertson, Isla Anderson and Katie Parnell will compete at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre in July.

Marlins junior coordinator Deb Johnson said the selections reflected the progress being made across the club.

“It’s amazing considering we’re a small, regional, inclusive not-for-profit club,” she said. “It’s the first time a few of them represented Victoria.

“We’re developing and getting stronger and stronger, and hopefully our numbers continue to improve.”