TNL Rising Stars: New Sherriffs in town as twins rise to stardom
Only a pair of pink shoes helps coaches tell them apart, and Hawks twins Sophie and Issy Sherriff also share the same lofty goals. Check out our list of TNL Rising Stars here.
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Only a set of pink shoes and playing bibs helps coaches tell them apart, but Northern Hawks twins Sophie and Isabella Sherriff share identical lofty goals.
The 16-year-olds and South East Sun Amber Brown were chosen for an Australian under-17 camp in Canberra last week, after impressing for a youthful Tasmania Wild at the Super Netball reserves tournament.
Goal-shooter Sophie was also named joint MVP of this year’s under-17 national championships, the first Tasmanian to claim the honour.
They helped the under-19 Hawks, this year’s TNL minor premiers, to a grand final with a qualifying final win over Devon on Saturday.
But those in the know believe bigger things are on the radar for the Deloraine duo.
Isabella, better known as ‘Issy’, is a classy mid courter, while Sophie uses her speed and athleticism to outwit defenders generally taller than her.
Asked if they fool their coaches with which twin is which, Issy said: “I think bibs are the way for most people. I also have pink netball shoes, so that’s what I tell everyone.”
Sophie added: “I’m usually white shoes, but it’s probably just most people look for Issy with the pink shoes, and look to where we are on the court as well.”
Issy said the Super Netball reserves finals tournament, which Tasmania featured in for the first time, was a welcome chance to step up to a higher level.
They beat Northern Territory and got within a few goals of GWS Giants, and Netball Tasmania officials have been on the record in their desire to join the league full time.
“I definitely think they’re working on getting us more opportunities,” Issy said.
“I can see more of a pathway now. Before most people probably would have moved away, but hopefully once this gets up and running we’ll be able to stay in Tassie.
“I think a great first step would be a reserves team. We proved we can match it with some of the teams, so that was really great.
“It’s hard at the moment because you go to nationals and have that exposure for a week, but you come back to Tassie and it’s not on the same level.
“Having a reserves team would be great to play at that level week in, week out.”
Sophie said the camp at Canberra’s Australian Institute of Sport had given them belief they can keep progressing through the ranks.
“It’s been a great experience. We’ve got to train alongside some really talented girls and it’s been nice to be here with each other and Amber as well, having that support from our home environment,” Sophie said.
“It’s been a great opportunity to expose yourself to a higher environment, and it gives you more confidence.
“It’s definitely in the back of your mind you want to perform well and impress the coaches and people there watching you.
“But at the same time everyone becomes good friends off court and you want to see other people succeed as well, not so much competing against them but trying to do the best for yourself.
“I think that (17s nationals MVP) was one of the pathways to help me get to this camp. I also think it’s got my name out there and helped me get recognised by a few coaches, that’s been really good.”
Issy said having a sister playing a different position has helped each other’s games.
“I don’t think we compete against each other,” she said.
“Obviously we want to do as well as each other but if one of us achieves something, we’re going to be happy for each other. We’re always on each other’s side.”
TNL’S RISING STARS
We take a look at some other teenage young guns who are already making their mark on the Tasmanian Netball League.
Sophie Sherriff, Hawks
The sharpshooter launched herself onto the big stage after being named joint MVP at this year’s under-17 national championships.
A member of this year’s under-17 national squad, Sherriff was also the Tasmanian MVP at the 2023 15 and under nationals, and was the 19 and under TNL best first year player last year.
Isabella Sherriff, Hawks
A member of the 17-and-under national and state squads the past two years, and was runner up in TNL’s 19 and under best and fairest last year.
Amber Brown, SE Suns
Brown is an accurate GA/GS and is so committed to playing for the Suns, she travels from her home on the north-west coast each game. A member of this year’s Wild squad, this year’s under-17 Australian squad, and represented the state at under-15 and 17 national championships the past two years.
Lottee Rolls, Devon
A mainstay of Burnie Netball Association (BNA) representative teams, the WA is catching the eye with her creativity and is part of Netball Tasmania’s emerging talent program.
Milly Harnett, Devon
A strong defender who was named in the TNL’s 19 and under All Star team last season. Featured in Tasmania’s under-17 team the past two years and played for the Wild at the Super Netball reserves tournament.
Mackenzie Graves, Kingston
The centre courter has played plenty of under-19 TNL this year, but has also been a key factor in the opens side finishing second and preparing for a preliminary final against the Hawks this Saturday. Played for the Wild this year and made under-15 and under-17 state teams.
Violet Bennett, Kingston
Made the SSA 15 and under state team last year and is in her first year at the Blues after joining from Cripps Waratah.
Charlotte Conway, Hawks
Conway plays GD but can also play a role at WD. A mainstay of NTNA representative teams.
Holly Richardson, Cripps Waratah
The WA has made STNA representative teams the past five seasons and helped Cripps Waratah edge Kingston by a goal in last week’s 19 and under elimination final.
Alet Le Grange, Cripps Waratah
The GD is a crucial member of Cripps’ 19 and under team, but has also played five opens games this season. Part of Netball Tasmania’s Emerging Talent Program and represented Tasmania at this year’s under-17s nationals.
Matilda Lamb, Karana
Has made STNA representative teams and was in the Futures Program last year. The C or WA is in her first season with the Flames.
Lucy McArthur, Cavaliers
A hard working centre who has also played three senior games for Cavaliers this year, where she has called home the past three seasons. A member of NTNA representative teams.
Paige O’Neill and Grace Ebbelaar, Cavaliers
Two young defenders who have been huge factors in guiding the grand final bound Cavs to an unbeaten opens campaign thus far.
Both were members of the Cavaliers premiership side last year and 19 and under All Stars. O’Neill was also named in this year’s under-19 Australian squad, and last year’s under-21 squad.
Sophie Brewer, Cavaliers
Won back to back under-19 TNL titles with the Cavs the past two years, including being named grand final MVP last season. Has represented Indigenous representative team the Black Swans the past two years and was in last year’s under-17 national squad.
Abbey Geappen, Cripps Waratah
Geappen is a former under-19 TNL MVP and is a tireless worker in the centre court. Has played alongside Brewer in the First Nations team.
Courtney Brown, South East Suns
Brown was last year’s state under-15s captain, and has already made the under-19 side. Is a multitalented athlete adept at other sports.
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