Williamstown’s Felix Neal always wanted to represent Australia on the highest sporting stage, but never thought it would be playing water polo.
Having made state teams playing hockey growing up, Neal was also a keen swimmer and spent a lot of time in the pool.
Water polo wasn’t a sport that had crossed his mind.
When a mate suggested he come to a water polo come and try day everything changed and his future was set.
“I did one session and I feel in love,” Neal said.
“The community is pretty small, it’s a small sport in Victoria and Melbourne. It’s a tight knit community and it’s very nice to be there.
“I absolutely love it. It’s a brutal sport and quite intense.”
Having only started playing with Essendon two and half years ago, Neal has risen through the ranks.
Last year he was selected as part of the Victorian Phoenix squad that plays in the Australian WaterPolo League.
He said it was a massive opportunity so early in his career.
“It was surreal,” he said. “It was amazing playing with full grown adults
“It was really different with the intensity. It was faster shots and an increased skill level in that team.
“It increased my ability.”
Last year also saw him represent Victoria at the under-17 national championships where the team finished in fifth spot.
The performances there saw him selected in the Australian under-18 side that faced New Zealand and a couple of other countries.
The goalkeeper said it didn’t feel real to be playing for Australia.
“I wanted to represent Australia in some sort of sport,” he said. “It never occurred to me I would be there for water polo.”
He recently returned home after playing for Australia in the Nations Cup tournament in Canberra where he was the sole Victorian representative.
Neal is hoping to be part of the Australian under-18 team for the World Cup this year.
He’s also looking to head to America for college after he finishes year 12 at the end of this year.
It’s a step in the right direction for making a career in water polo.
“That’s the main pathway for Australian players,” he said. “Go to college and then play in Europe.
“I’ll start looking at schools this year. The pathway manager at Wesley College, they have been brilliant.
“Mid-year I’ll try and make a decision.”
Long term, he’s focused on progressing through to under-20s and senior Australian teams with a focus on
“Brisbane Olympics is the main goal,” he said.
