IRYMPLE’S off-season recruiting provided an unexpected football and netball one-two punch.
Shelby Trigg, partner of new Swallows coach Jake Thrum, had not taken to the court for a few years but thought a return to netball would be a great way to meet people in a new town.
The goal shooter has been a revelation for Irymple’s netball outfit, who sit second on the ladder with a 5-2 record to start the year.
Trigg has formed a strong attacking combination with former Mildura Heat basketball star Vanessa Power and, according to coach Sherrie Geister, “shot the lights out in the first three quarters” against Mildura on Saturday.
“It’s been really exciting so far,” the Swallows’ new addition said.
“I’ve had a few years off playing netball so to come back into a competition that’s played at such a high intensity has definitely been a shock to the system.
“It feels like we’re all gelling quite well and when we’re on we’ve been playing some great netball.
“There’s just been a couple of games where we’ve been a bit off the mark.
“It’s scary what we’re capable of this year and if we can keep improving I think we’re a real chance to go deep.”
Like Thrum, Trigg began her sporting career with Cohuna Kangas in the Central Murray league before the duo moved to Bendigo to play with Golden Square.
Trigg said she missed some time because of chronic fatigue before making a comeback in the lower grades but had spent the past few years on the sidelines watching her partner dominate for the Bulldogs.
“Coming up here and not knowing anyone I knew jumping back into netball would be the best way to meet people, and I’m glad I have,” she said.
“Everyone has been so nice and welcoming for us, it’s been awesome so far.”
Trigg said she had loved playing under Geister, a Jackie Horkings Medal winner and star shooter across her career.
“Having Sherrie as our coach is awesome,” she said.
“Especially having someone who specialised in being around goals has been helpful for me.
“I just love her outlook and her motivation as well.
“I think I’ve been waiting for someone like her to come into my life for a while now.
“It’s a great group we’ve got together.”
As the round 7 Netballer of the Round, Trigg receives $150 from Mildura Golf Resort, located at 287 Twelfth Street, Mildura.
