The 37-year-old will coach the A grade side in 2021, taking over from 2019 premiership mentor Carly Peake.

Sobey, a premiership player at both the Tigers and Hampden league club North Warrnambool Eagles, was to work alongside Peake for 2020 before taking over the following season.

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But due to the coronavirus pandemic forcing the cancellation of this year's Warrnambool and District league season the duo agreed to still go ahead with their succession plan.

Sobey, nee Carter, who is one of Merrivale's most experience players having played more than 250 games in the Hampden league, is eager to jump into next season.

"I always thought (my first coaching gig) would be juniors not necessarily senior girls but they are a really good group who already know what they are doing so I'm not reinventing the wheel," she said.

"I'm excited as they're going to be an easy bunch to coach. We've got friendships off the court and with those existing friendships I don't see it being too hard at all.

"I want to make it a fun season and show that age doesn't matter and also bring some younger ones through as well."

The midcourter's husband Josh will coach the senior football side next season taking over from Jason Rowan, who has returned to Warrnambool.

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