Melton Junior Football Club’s Troy Scoble has been named AFL Victoria’s Stan Alves Youth Coach of the Year.
Scoble, who has coached at the Bloods for the past two years, was shocked to be named the winner at an awards ceremony earlier this month.
Having previously stayed away from coaching at the junior level, Scoble has had a big impact in his first foray.
“It was a bit of surprise really,” he said.
“It was nice to be acknowledged in the final four. It started off being named the region youth coach of the year and then AFL Victoria selects a final four.
“All the steps along the way have been pleasing.”
In two years as coach at Melton, Scoble has led the under-16s to back-to-back Riddell District Football League premierships.
The same group of players has predominately played both seasons, winning flags as bottom-age and then top-age players.
A team ethos has been a big focus for Scoble throughout his coaching career.
He previously coached Riddell’s senior side for five years, including to the 2013 RDFL premiership, and is an assistant coach at the Western Jets.
Scoble said ensuring everyone got the most out of their football was really important.
Part of this is making sure everyone gets even time on the field and implementing whiteboard sessions and player driven reviews.
“I’ve been able to see results at TAC Cup and senior level by doing this,” he said.
“It’s about focusing on developing the entire list. Everyone pays rego, so everyone deserves to be developed.
“That’s the reason we’ve had success and developed the last couple of years.”
Scoble said he couldn’t take all the credit for the past two years at the Bloods, saying it was a team effort.
“When I first agreed to take on the role, I needed to have someone to help me due to my Western Jets commitments.
“Cam Hanley’s support has been vital and we’ve really helped each other over the last couple of years. His wife Nat is team manager and my wife Michelle is involved as well. The committee, led by Matt Kerr, and the great parent network have all played a big role as well.
“It was good to have Cam, Nat, Michelle, my son Chase, Matt and Jo from the club at the awards night.”
Scoble, who will again be part of the Western Jets coaching set-up next season, said he would wait and see whether he would continue at Melton next season.
“I’ve really enjoyed this group and if someone else wants to step up and take on a coaching role I’m happy to step back. I will have some involvement in the club at some level. This experience is something I wish I did before coaching at Riddell and at TAC Cup level.”
