Cole to replace Hope as Goannas' new coach

Cole, 21, has been at the Goannas for the duration of her career and will take over from the hugely successful Marie Hope, who is expecting a child.

MCUE won the 2019 Riverina League flag and also claimed bragging rights in last year's AFL Riverina Championship.

This season they were well poised for more silverware after claiming the minor premiership with 14 wins from 15 games, before the campaign was cancelled before finals could be played.

Mid-courter Cole has been serving a coaching apprenticeship in the lower grades and is looking forward to taking on more responsibility.

"I've been coaching A-reserves for a couple of years now, and previously I was helping C-grade," she said.

"I've been building my way up the coaching ranks and I just think it's a really good opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone a bit and do a player-coach role. Previously I've been coaching other grades (from the sidelines) and playing."

Cole conceded she has big boots to fill after the team's success under Hope, but said she had learned plenty from her.

"It's definitely big shoes to fill and I've learned a lot from her in the years I've had her as a coach," Cole said.

"She has a lot of patience and knowledge when it comes to netball. I've learned a lot of drills and how to communicate with people."

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Cole expects the majority of last year's squad to return, with the notable exception of star young goal-attack Sophie Fawns.

Fawns was recently selected in the Australian under-19 squad and will move to Sydney next year to enhance her dreams of playing at a higher level.

"It's extremely disappointing we didn't finish the season, but at the same time our club still had a lot of success in winning the overall club championship, the netball championship and the football championship," Cole said.

"There's still plenty to celebrate.

"My understanding is a lot of the footballers and netballers are coming back. They have a point to prove and a bit of fire in the belly, because getting that far into a season after doing so well and not being able to finish off is frustrating."

Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes have won 37 of 41 games since the start of the 2019 season.

Their only loss this year was a one-goal loss to Griffith, who eventually finished second on the ladder.

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