BO'C: You finished the season on a high after a win against Wodonga Raiders in the last round. Tell me what the team was thinking heading into the final round of the season.

TW: It was Kirby's (Hilton) last game for the Hoppers, so we just thought we would try and get a win for her. I think we just all wanted to work together as a team to get the win, not only for Kirby, but for ourselves and Fiona (Boyer) as well to thank her for what has been a wonderful season.

BO'C: Although you didn't make finals, tell me about some of the positives the team has taken away from this season.

ALSO IN SPORT:

TW: We were a whole new team with lots of young girls this season. I think we just had to learn how each other play. We know that when we work together and do the things we're learning at training from Fiona, we can play really good netball and match it with the best teams in the league. That's been really exciting.

BO'C: You mentioned Fiona going through skills with the girls at training. As someone who has years of Ovens and Murray netball experience, what would you say are some of her assets as a coach?

TW: She's really up to date with her netball knowledge and her training revolves around things we need to work on. We train as a squad, so she's able to help everyone across all of the club's grades. Her ability to help players improve and grow as netballers is fantastic. She's pretty amazing. I'm 32 and I'm still constantly learning how to play netball. It can even just be simple things like correcting passes or the way you move your body. It all helps. She's been really helpful.

BO'C: You came into Hoppers' A-grade side as a permanent player this year. How have you enjoyed your own personal season?

TW: I've really enjoyed it, but sometimes I can get cranky at myself if I'm not playing well. I've really enjoyed being around the young talented netballers the club has. I was in B-grade and had a baby and then came back to C-grade before I was asked to play A-grade this season. It was a massive step up for me. I found it challenging, but I've really enjoyed it. Our group of girls is amazing and I think the better the teams are you play, the better you'll play. I'm continuing to learn. I've loved my time in A-grade this year.

North Albury finished the season two spots outside the competition's top five with seven wins and eleven losses in what was Kirby Hilton's last season with the club.