The decorated A-grade netballer and co-coach will add another chapter to a remarkable career when she takes the court for her 350th A-grade appearance against Murchison-Toolamba.
Giles will become one of only two current A-grade players and just the third player in Tallygaroopna’s history to have reached the milestone.
It is the latest achievement in a career which began with Tallygaroopna in 2001, after a glorious 25 years during which she has formed part of A-grade premiership sides in 2008 and 2022, winning the Redlegs’ best-and-fairest award eight times.
Long-time teammate Cienna Halden said Giles’ influence on generations of Tallygaroopna netballers over the last quarter-of-a-century was difficult to overstate.
“She’s a fierce competitor on the court and anyone that plays with her pretty much looks up to her,” Halden said.
“She guides you, she teaches you. She’s also coached some of our junior grades and they look up to her.
“She’s been on our committee for a number of years and she’s a great person to have around the club, always willing to put her hand up to help in any way.
“She’s always wanting everyone to be the best they can be.”
Halden has played alongside Giles in A-grade since 2017 and said her teammate’s consistency and competitive streak had been central to her extraordinary longevity.
While Giles might jokingly describe herself as “broken and battered” after so many years on court, Halden said her dedication had never wavered.
“She’s probably the most consistent player that I know,” Halden said.
“So many years playing A-grade and she’s always a competitor.
“She’s just so dedicated to netball, loves netball and always wants to be competitive and give her best.”
Giles has also coached Tallygaroopna’s A-grade side – including as co-coach this season – coached its junior ranks and previously served as an A-grade assistant coach.
She has also represented the Kyabram District League at interleague level and served on the club committee, including as junior vice-president of netball operations.
There is now another generation of Giles netballers making its way through the Tallygaroopna ranks, with her four daughters following in their mother’s footsteps.
Giles’ eldest daughter celebrated her 100th club game this year, with the occasion also marking her B-grade debut, while her middle two daughters have each reached 50 games.
Halden has had the opportunity to coach some of them and believes the family’s influence at Tally could continue for many years.
“All of her kids are extremely talented,” she said.
“I have no doubt that they will carry her name.
“Hopefully one day she gets to play with a couple of them. That would be great.”
Her service will be celebrated before August 15’s A-grade game, with Tallygaroopna planning a presentation, flowers and a speech to recognise its newest 350-game player.
“I definitely look up to her and value everything she’s taught me, which is a lot,” Halden said.
“She’s just a great person around the club.”
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