The Coleambally Blues have added a bucket load of talent to their A-Grade netball side with the signing of new coach, Sarah Hooper.

The Former Coolamon Hooper and CSU netballer was named the Riverina League captain in 2021 and was the Riverina League best and fairest player in A-Grade in 2019.

During her years playing in the Farrer and Riverina Leagues, the former CSU premiership winner made five teams of the year, and she now joins the Blues as they embark on the 2022 Farrer League season.

Coleambally Blues president Glen Tooth said the signing of Hooper would add a lot to their side

“She is a pretty handy pick up and with her family ties with Luke and Maddie Hillier, it just made sense,” Tooth said.

“She will offer our group a lot.”

Hooper will be expected to mentor a young Coleambally side that held their own in the 2021 Farrer League.

“The girls finished fourth last year, and we had A (Grade) and C (Grade) in the finals until they had the shortened finals format and they canned it,” Tooth said.

“We have some good juniors coming through and I’m sure they will benefit from Sarah’s experience. Hopefully she adds a new dimension and offers us a new perspective.”

The Blues have been busy of late, signing footballers and netballers. With the likes of Max Hillier and Kyle Pete joining the club, and now with Hooper joining the Blues, Tooth explained it was necessary for Coleambally as they prepare for the final year of the 2022 Farrer League.

“You’ve got to recruit,” Tooth said.

“The small country towns don’t quite have the numbers they used to, and we need to bolster the numbers and it is the way of life.”

Maddie Hillier coached the Blues in 2021, and she said she was happy to step back and let Hooper take the reins next season.

“We had a pretty strong year and Sarah is that missing link we haven’t been able to nail down,” Hillier said.

“It is hard to find someone of her calibre and we are very fortunate she has decided to come on board for next year.

“She is coaching, and I will help where I can with selections because I know the girls well and have been back a few years.”

Hillier hinted that progression would be the goal next year, and good results should be on the cards.

“She was pretty instrumental in progressing Coolamon’s team to where it is now, and we hope she can do the same for us,” Hillier said.

“It will be good having fresh eyes on us, and it will be good for my game too, as I will be able to step back from being a playing coach to concentrate on my game.”

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 2 December 2021.