Cobden unveils new mentor Sophie Hinkley after Mel Starr resigns

Hinkley, nee Barr, was elevated to Cobden's top job on Monday after incumbent coach Mel Starr announced her shock resignation.

Starr will remain involved at Bomberland in a "more flexible" role.

The Bombers pounced to recapture Hinkley - a former assistant coach at the club - from Geelong netball powerhouse Newtown and Chilwell.

Hinkley, awaiting her first child with husband Paul, was determined to extend Cobden's reign of success in her stint as coach.

"I'm excited at the opportunity I've been given," she told The Standard.

"My new family (the Hinkleys) have strong ties to Cobden and Paul and I have always thought of our kids playing there.

"My sister (Jaime Barr) coaches over at North Warrnambool Eagles and my family has been heavily involved over there.

"It'll be nice to be back closer to family."

Hinkley said her time at Newtown and Chilwell - which yielded three premierships - had improved her netball nous.

"The girls I was playing with are a team of champions," she said.

"They're very talented. What's unique about them is the culture within the club and the team.

"That's something I'm looking forward to building on at Cobden. We want that great support through the group and playing a role for the team rather than individually."

The midcourter was excited by the Bombers' list, which last season claimed the Hampden league minor premiership.

"I had a taste of the potential when I was an assistant here under Nadine McNamara in 2018," Hinkley said.

"They're so young with such big scope to develop but there's also some very experienced players."

A club statement thanked Starr, who resigned due to family circumstances, for her service. "We are extremely thankful for Mel's service to our club so far, and committed to supporting her in this decision," it read.

"Mel will continue to play an integral role in our netball program and we look forward to utilising her knowledge across our teams in a more flexible role."

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