While the Wangaratta Rovers' coach was first introduced to the sport after putting his hand up to help his daughter's under-13s team, he can now tick off his first season as an Ovens and Murray A-grade mentor.

And he'd encourage other dads to follow his lead.

"Once you give it a go, you fall in love with the game," Halton said.

"I never knew much about netball, and now it's my passion.

"I think it's a great opportunity for some of the dads to be a part of their kids' sporting activities, and just to get involved and give it a go."

While he's the only male A-grade coach in the league this year, he believes it makes no difference.

"I just think a coach is a coach," he said.

"If there's one thing about the netball community, we're a tight knit bunch, and I had a lot of support, even from opposing teams."

Halton not only led the Hawks' A-grade this season, but also the clubs under-17s.

While the senior side's campaign has now come to an end, finals are still on the agenda for the juniors.

Despite the challenges of juggling both teams as well as lockdowns, Halton said the support of his family, friends and members of the club made his debut season easier.

"It wasn't as daunting as I thought it might have been at the start," he said.

"The senior group were just a great bunch of girls and I couldn't have transitioned into an A-grade job much smoother.

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"Even though it's thrown us some challenges, I think most people have withstood it and we're used to getting curveballs now.

"I think it's more important now than ever for the netball community to stick together."

Halton has helped develop the skills of many young netballers over his eight years as a coach and is also currently involved with the North East Talent Academy and Corowa and District Netball Association.

He admits one of the most rewarding aspects of his role is seeing players continue to strive for their goals, having now coached many youngsters from both the Ovens and Murray and Goulburn Valley Leagues.

"The first rep team I ever had was from Corowa and District and there were young girls like Zoe McLeish, who were about 12 at the time," he said.

"It's funny how you watch these girls grow and improve, and now a lot of them are young adults.

"Time just flies."

While no plans have been set in stone for next season, Halton hopes to stay involved with netball.

"I've got no plans to give it away anytime soon," he said.

"I'll be coaching in one form or another."

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