THE prospect of being the youngest A Grade netball coach in the Sunraysia Football and Netball league holds no fears for Georgia Giofrelle.
Robinvale Euston’s talented 20-year-old finds herself in the hot seat at John James Oval but the rising star is excited for the challenge in 2024.
Despite finishing eighth with two wins and a draw in 2023, Robinvale Euston earned plaudits for their exciting, attacking game style under former coach Hayley Siddons, regularly pushing teams in finals contention to their limit.
Giofrelle had a superb campaign mainly at goal attack, winning the club best and fairest and earning selection in the Sunraysia Daily A Grade netball Team of the Year.
The new coach said optimism is high across all grades of the club’s netball program.
“It’s been building over the last couple of years, the confidence among the playing groups and the environment around the whole club from juniors all the way up,” Giofrelle said.
“There has been a real enthusiasm and really showing that support towards each other.
“I think that attacking style of play did help us build confidence, especially against some of the higher-placed teams in Ouyen United and South Mildura in a few games.
“I’ll look at implementing something similar but also adding new things and hopefully some new players as well.”
Giofrelle had some coaching experience last year at the helm of Robinvale Euston’s under 17 teams, however, the A Grade role came about in a short period of time.
While some were concerned about the shooter juggling coaching and playing roles, she is confident in the support team being assembled to help her.
“It mainly came from wanting to get pre-season started, I saw most clubs were getting underway and thought we should be doing it, too…and it kind of just snowballed from there,” Giofrelle said.
“It all happened really quickly and I’m a bit nervous for it but very keen to do it.
“I’ve got lots of people helping me out and a good support system that’s being built around the team that will help me on the sideline on game day, so I can get information and advice from them while I’m on the court.”
While the majority of last season’s A Grade side is ready to go again, Giofrelle said some of the club’s skilled juniors may also get more senior opportunities.
“A couple of junior teams last season made finals and that will help create a strong build-up of players coming into seniors,” she said.
“We had a few 17 girls who played seniors in A or B Grade which was good.
“I just want to create a stronger team bond and to build that confidence on court. I don’t expect us to pushing towards finals in this first year but just to continually improve and build towards that point.”
