SHE was crowned the premiers' best, but Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes talent Sophie Fawns will have a new shooting partner next year with young gun Katie Caller to depart the club.
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Tall youngsters Fawns and Caller were virtually unstoppable in the attacking semi circle, but goal shooter Caller will move to Melbourne next year for university.
Fawns won the Goannas' most valuable player award at the club's presentation night on Friday night with 30 votes, ahead of defender Samantha Creasy (27) and mid courter Mikaela Cole (25)
The 15-year-old was also named the club's player of the finals after a stellar post-season campaign, highlighted by a best-on-court showing in the 60-51 Riverina League grand final win over Collingullie-Glenfield Park.
Young mid courter Claire Wallace was named most improved after a strong debut first grade season.
Campbell, who will return as coach for a fourth year next season, said she expects Fawns, who was named in the Australian under-17 squad in June, to remain at the club until she finishes school.
"Sophie's indicated she'll be with us until the end of her high school here in Wagga, which is pretty exciting," Campbell said.
"But then again we're realists. If great opportunities open up for her we're more than happy for her to move on and progress her career.
"She's so humble and open to learning, which makes it all the more enjoyable."
Campbell said giving up playing to devote herself to coaching this season had reaped dividends.
"I found I could do a more in-depth job because of it," she said.
"You see a lot more of the general picture, as well as what individuals need to work on."
Campbell hopes to retain the vast majority of this year's premiership side for their title defence, but said Caller's departure leaves a big void.
"We're looking at having mostly the same team, but certainly there'll be a couple of opportunities in certain positions," she said.
"Katie obviously leaves big shoes to fill, but one of the things we were able to achieve this year it to bring out the best in the girls we had on the list.
"Lisa (Reynoldson, assistant coach) and I are looking forward to finding some new talent and helping develop that."
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