Australia’s newest addition to its male water polo ranks is Drummoyne Devils star and Russell Lea resident Samuele Avallone.
 
The former Italian representative, who is still awaiting approval for his Australian citizenship, is taking no shortcuts as he trains as hard as ever to ensure his ticket on the Aussie Sharks team for the 2012 London Olympics.
 
Having played last year in his homeland for professional team Camogli, the 25-year-old has returned to Australia to continue his water polo career and sees a birth on the Australian national team as a “dream come true.”
 
“Water polo is a very important part of my life, I have been playing it since I was 12 and have always trained hard and worked hard to reach the Olympics,” Avallone said.
 
“When I was 21 I came to Australia and got asked to play for Australia then, so hopefully this year the dream will become a reality.
 
“There will be more hard work and training as well as being part of the team setup, eating well and going to bed early but I’m happy to do all that in order to achieve my goal.”
 
Avallone grew up in Genova, Italy with water polo in his veins as father Davide and uncle Raoul both represented their country at the elite level.
 
He started playing junior polo at the Bogliasco club near his home and continued his love of the sport, later being named best U/20’s player in 2005 and being selected for the Italian national team at age 19.
 
While Australia is now home, Avallone credits his strong family support in Italy as one the main reason for his success throughout his development.
 
“My dad used to play water polo in the past so it is a family tradition. It is a great sport and playing at high level has helped me to become a mature person,” he said.
 
“Dad therefore was definetly a big influence and he has always supported me but mum also was great as she helped me a lot when I was young."
 
Avallone’s initial asendency into the eyes of Australian selectors came with his breakthrough National Water Polo League season in 2009.
 
Playing for Drummoyne, he was the league’s highest scorer with 78 goals, which led to him being named Most Valuable Player and being selected in the All Star team.
 
As his schedule gets busier with added training commitments for the Sharks’, another standout season with the Devils will increase the chances of a first Aussie test cap.
 
If all goes to plan, the long days of dreaming, training and playing for that Olympic spot may eventually pay off.

Australian Water Polo