It’s an exciting move for the club with the star defender bringing plenty of credentials to the top job. Sophie has previously won the Ovens and Murray league’s Toni Wilson Medal twice for the league’s best player, four club best and fairest awards, and just last year she was named in the 2022 Division 1 of the Victorian Netball League’s Team of the Year and as the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Sophie will be assisted by recently appointed under 15 coach Noel Halton as she continues playing for A Grade with plans to continue travelling to Melbourne to play for the City West Falcons.
Noel also comes with plenty of netball credentials having previously coached the Wangaratta Rovers A Grade side and the North East Netball State Titles teams including 15's, 17's and opens- achieving runner up success twice with the open side.
Noel was the assistant coach of the Vic State Marie Little Shield team in 2022, and is a current coach at North East Talent Academy for Netball Victoria. More recently, he was named the 2023 Apprentice Coach at North East Blaze.
“Noel and I are very excited to be coaching the A Grade side,” Sophie told the Free Press.
“He, Rowena (Black), and the other girls will continue to support me with my commitments in Melbourne which is great.
“It wasn’t something that was on my radar just yet, but it’s a great opportunity to step up for the club I love.
“Obviously there are big shoes to fill with the departure of Georgie. She has said she will still support us and cheer us on. She still loves the club.”
Noel and Sophie have already begun shelling out a game plan for this year.
“We want to continue the legacy of Georgie and have a one club philosophy,” Noel said.
“We will also be focussing on skill development, particularly with our juniors coming through the ranks.
“This year we are focusing more on a team of coaches working together and supporting each other. We want all of our sides to be on the same page, and for players to be able to confidently step up to the next grade some weeks if required.”
“Obviously people have lives outside of netball so we want to be flexible and cater to people’s needs. Discipline and structure are required to make that work,” Sophie added.
Roos secretary Rowena Black said the club was thrilled with the appointment of Sophie and Noel.
“We are confident in the ability of Sophie and Noel coaching A Grade,” she said.
“We are also really excited to be introducing Andrea Eales, Grace O’Brien and Elizabeth Van Tiel to the Roos 2023 coaching squad.
“Andy Eales coached Corowa Rutherglen A grade in 2004 and played just over 100 games. She also coached and co-coached in Wahgunyah with premierships in 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2009.
“Elizabeth was involved in netball over in New Zealand with experience as coach, manager and selector for trials. She also spent 17 plus years at club, college, and regional netball levels.
“And Grace co-coached CDHBU A grade and has played at Corowa Rutherglen over four seasons.”
Following the departure of some key players Sophie and Noel said there are several positions available for players interested in having a crack at O&M level netball.
“These opportunities don’t come along too often so we are really excited to see some new faces enter the team,” Sophie said.
The club also extended their well wishes and gratitude to Georgie Bruce who coached the Roos to finals over the last three seasons.
“On behalf of the club, we would love to thank Georgie for all her hard work and dedication over a number of years,” Rowena said.
“The support and love she has provided the club is greatly appreciated. We know she’ll still be around on game days, and we look forward to building on her incredible legacy.”
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