COACHING wasn’t initially on the radar of Irymple netballer Shelby Trigg, but it’s a challenge she is ready to embrace.
The attacking playmaker has been appointed A Grade coach for next year’s SFNL season, stepping into the role filled by club legend Sherrie Geister for the past two years.
Trigg impressed in her first season with the Swallows this year after relocating from Bendigo alongside partner and club senior football coach Jake Thrum.
“It’s been a very quick and unplanned move, I wasn’t really looking at doing this, however after some discussions with Sherrie, she put a lot of faith in me and everyone around the club has given me a lot of confidence that I can do the role,” Trigg said.
“It works in with my work and social life at the moment and it felt like the perfect opportunity to take it on and hopefully get some personal growth as well.
“We feel right at home here. Like previous clubs we’ve been at, we’ve been welcomed with open arms, everyone is so friendly and happy to go the extra mile for anything we need.
“We’ve had no issues fitting in here, Jake never seems to have any issues with that anyway.
“He’s the calm one and I get a little bit manic and pedantic here and there, but he gets me back level. I’d hate to think what a Friday night is going to look like for us next year.”
After initially beginning her netball career with the Cohuna Kangas in the Central Murray league, Trigg moved with Thrum to play with Golden Square, however before this year she’d had some time away from the game.
She wasn’t anticipating to play A Grade on her return to the court but formed a strong attacking combination with former Mildura Heat basketballers Vanessa Power and Bronte Pezzaniti, all supported by centre and Jackie Horkings Medal winner Shakara Delcastegne.
“I didn’t know a whole lot about the league or anyone at Irymple really, but it was a great experience with the whole team this year,” Trigg said.
“I’m really looking forward to getting in touch with them all again and scoping out their plans for next year.
“I have done some coaching with an under-15 premiership at Cohuna and co-coaching at B Grade level for Golden Square, so this will be exciting.”
Trigg said structure and system across all grades would be important heading into next year.
“One thing I’ve really learned at Irymple, and across all clubs up here, is that everyone is right into their sport, so fitness isn’t going to be an issue,” she said.
“I think this year will be more focused on structure and trying to carry the same system through most grades, so that players are able to step up when needed.
“Especially with the rolling subs as well, everyone knows where they’re at and what’s expected.”
