Some new coaches on netball sidelines in ’23
THERE will be several new coaches on the sidelines for A-grade matches across the AFL Central Victoria region next season.
Among the changes for 2023 will be Adam Boldiston in charge of Maiden Gully YCW as the Eagles chase consecutive premierships in the Bendigo Bank Loddon Valley Football Netball League.
The Eagles netted five wins on grand final day in September at Marist College Bendigo in Maiden Gully.
A closely-fought grand final in A-grade ended in an eight-goal victory for Maiden Gully YCW against Mitiamo.
It was an incredible feat by Christie Griffiths who coached the A-grade, B-grade and 17-under premiership teams, but has stepped away from the top flight for 2023.
A national and state representative in netball, Boldiston coached Riddells Creek this season after a five-season stint in the Ballarat FNL with Sunbury Lions.
At Huntly, Kym Bell steps up to coach A-grade.
The Emily Eliades-coached Hawks were a finalist in all five seasons she was in charge since 2017.
The Hawks will be aiming to fly higher after being eliminated by Colbinabbin in week one of this season’s finals action.
In 2022, Bell coached Huntly to the semi-finals in A-reserve.
The premiership-winning coaching combination of Allira Holmes and Gabe Richards stays in place at Elmore.
The Bloods won their first A-grade premiership since 1968 when they beat White Hills by eight goals in the grand final at Huntly’s Strauch Reserve.
A talented Elmore squad includes Tahnee Cannan, Andrea Wilson and Abbey Hromenko.
In the Bendigo FNL, Gisborne, Kangaroo Flat and South Bendigo have reappointed their A-grade coaches.
Jayden Cowling will begin a sixth year in charge at Kangaroo Flat.
The Roos were runner-up to Sandhurst this season and in 2019.
A powerful Kangaroo Flat squad will be desperate to break Sandhurst’s premiership-winning streak which stands at four.
After another preliminary final appearance, Gisborne will again be coached by Tarryn Rymer.
The red, white and blue went down 52-49 in September’s preliminary final showdown with Kangaroo Flat.
It will be Rymer’s fourth season in charge of the Gardiner Reserve-based Gisborne.
A great run in 2022 by the club included grand final wins in A-reserve and 17-and-under, and runner-up in B-reserve.
Payment parity with the footballers is being introduced at South Bendigo FNC for next season.
The Bloods have reappointed Jannelle Hobbs, a premiership-winning coach at Kangaroo Flat, to lead them next season.
Led by the play of Chloe Gray, Chloe Langley, Steph Goode and Alicia McGlashan, South Bendigo finished fifth this year.
South Bendigo also has a new home base at Harry Trott Oval in Kennington’s Neale Street.
Written by Nathan Dole.