In the women’s trap, Dean had to not only overcome difficult weather conditions that were far from ideal for shooting, but also direct competition from Tokyo Olympic team members Laetisha Scanlan and Penny Smith.
But the National Pathways Squad member would pull out one of her best performances in the event to knock off both soon to be Olympians and claim the victory.
Dean said it was one of the better wins of her career.
“It was something I'm really proud of,” she said.
“Penny and Laetisha are women I have looked up to since I first started in the sport, people I have wanted to emulate in the way I go about things, so even to compete against them is a big deal to me.
“But to be able to claim victory against them is a huge moment for my career.”
Dean qualified fifth for the final of the trap shoot, having shot 97 of her 125 targets in the intial stage.
Coming into the final, the competitors were given a further 50 targets to shoot at, with the highest score taking the win.
Dean hit a further 40 of 50 to hold off Scanlan (39/50) and Smith (30/50).
Dean said the competition was a huge confidence boost.
“It was a tough competition,” she said.
“Newcastle regularly produces conditions that aren't easy to overcome that you have to work your way through, and I also knew I was going to have to be at my best to hold on for the win against competition like that.
“What you do learn from an event like that is what your mind is capable of.
“You need to hold your focus, keep in control of the situation around you if you're going to get a victory.
“Every time you have a good win in an event where you've had to challenge yourself, it shows you what you're capable of.”
MORE LOCAL SPORT
Future is Bright(on) for Echuca junior lawn bowler
Threlfall claims Canberra half marathon
Murray Bombers put interrupted run behind them to come out firing against the Saints
22°C