BY NATHAN DOLE
A SIX-TIME premiership player and long-time star on the netball court, Alicia McGlashan has taken on South Bendigo’s A-grade coaching role for the ’24 season.
McGlashan’s third year at South Bendigo will be one of the most challenging of a brilliant career.
It’s a change at the top for the Bloods after Jannelle Hobbs stepped down as A-grade coach.
After fifth placing this season, South Bendigo welcomes back Lynley Strachan as assistant coach of the A-grade team.
The Bloods also have Marita Eddy staying on to coach the A-reserve team.
At Castlemaine it will be Chloe Hughes in the role as senior coach.
A brilliant run by the Fiona Fowler and Gary Cooke-coached Magpies in the past two years included fourth placing in ’22, and a preliminary final loss to eventual premier Gisborne last month.
Hughes won a premiership with Shepparton United and returned to the court late this season after spending many months on the sidelines because of injury.
At Kangaroo Flat it will be Jayden Cowling in charge once again.
Coach of the Roos’ A-grade team since 2018, Cowling recently signed a two-year extension.
Not only is Cowling committed to the Roos, a club he’s been with for many years, but he will also coach the Bendigo Strikers 23-and-under team in the Victorian Netball League.
There’s been some key changes to the off-court structure at North Bendigo as the club strives to compete in A-grade finals once again.
After taking charge in the second half of the season, Kiralee Kinder and Stacee Kingdon will again team up to coach the A-grade team.
A major recruiting coup for the Bulldogs was gaining Liz Taylor from South Bendigo to be the director of coaching.
Two of the club’s finest netballers, Kristie Alford and Bobbie Simpson will play crucial roles as netball operations manager and B-grade coach respectively.