He had pace and mobility but he just looked too fragile to play rugby at the top level.
Carbohydrates did the trick. And lots of them.
''They're always wanting me to put more weight on, so I've just got to keep eating those carbs and all the extra stuff,'' he said.
''I've got to keep chipping away at that and chucking that food down your gob.
''I'm about 117-118kg now so it would be awesome to get to 120kg so I'm more dominant in those collisions.
''When you're a bit lighter and do a hit or a clean out, you get up and you are exhausted. So when you've got that weight it makes it a wee bit easier.''
His weight is up from about 100kg when he was running around for University in the club competition.
Those knees are just dots beneath bulging quadriceps now and the elbows do not jut out like they used to.
He looks the part of a robust forward and he is playing like it too. The 24-year-old has been one of the standouts in the Highlanders' pack and he looks set to be rewarded with more game time this weekend.
He is odds on to be named for the derby match against the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday night.
He will need the extra beef he has packed on. The Crusaders have a formidable pack.
Prop Joe Moody will be missing due to an ankle complaint but All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock is available and is expected to be named in the side.
Going up against one of the greatest locks in the game is a challenge Dickson is ready for.
''It will be good to go up against the best,'' Dickson said.
''They are a pretty good outfit in that forward pack. But we've got a plan ... and hopefully we execute.''
Both sides go into the game with a proud record. The Crusaders are on a 19-game winning-streak and the Highlanders have won 15 in a row at home.
''It is a pretty big game which is pretty awesome. But we've just got to stick to our game.
''If we stick to what we do and our plan and do it well, then there should be no pressure on us.''
Dickson was born in Perth but grew up in West Otago. He moved to Dunedin when he was 16.
Asked if he was being chased to play across the Tasman, Dickson said he was committed to the Highlanders.
''My plan is to do my best for the Highlanders and chip away here.''
Highlanders assistant coach Mark Hammett has been thrilled with the progress he has made.
''A big goal for Kettle, as we call him, was to put a bit of size on him because he has had all the skill sets - a really good brain around lineouts and technically really solid,'' Hammett said.
''We wanted him to pack on a few Ks and be comfortable holding it. He has done that and obviously the rewards have been ... that he is getting starts.''