The Benalla All Blacks netball team has announced it has locked in all coaching staff for the coming season.
With the All Blacks’ B-Grade team successfully playing deep into the 2018 finals, the clubs aim is to ensure that the girls are led by experienced and knowledgeable coaching, with the goal of all teams making finals in 2019.
A and B-grade senior sides will be coached by Rebecca Mathieson who has had vast experience in her own netball career playing A-grade for Swanpool and Violet Town.
Mathieson successfully took last year’s B-grade team to finals.
Benalla All Blacks Football Netball Club vice-president Sarah Kilpatrick said with Mathieson’s wealth of knowledge, experience and hard-working attitude, the club was confident she was the women to take the teams forward.
After two consecutive club best and fairest wins in Under-17s and B-Reserve, Jessica Blaine will bring a breath of fresh air to the All Blacks’ B-reserve team.
Kilpatrick said Blaine was committed to her netball, coaching senior grades and the development of other netballers.
‘‘Jess has been described by her teammates as a massive presence and asset on the court with her knowledge of plays and skills development, which is often shared with others,’’ Kilpatrick said.
‘‘Jess will be co-coaching the B-Reserve side with Millie Sammon. Millie has previously played within the league at Goorambat and has represented her school in Kilmore as well as representing Benalla at squad level.
‘‘These girls will work together to ensure a commitment to skills and knowledge development, aiming to have a very successful season.’’
The under-17s will be coached by last year’s A-Grade club best and fairest winner Elyse Felstead.
Felstead has played for Benalla for more than two years.
She also coached the B-reserve side in 2018, encouraging the girls to work on their skills and voice on the court to work hard for some successful wins.
‘‘Elyse is excited to use her experience and knowledge to help develop younger netballers to achieve their best on and off the court,’’ Kilpatrick said.
‘‘This season we also welcome Erin Matthews to the club and coaching team.
‘‘Erin has had experience coaching squad sides with the Benalla Netball Association.
‘‘She is excited to bring her positive attitude, knowledge and netball mind to the side to develop young netballers’ skills.
‘‘All of our coaches are huge assets to the club.’’
The All Blacks started preseason training on Monday and will continue to train every Monday and Wednesday nights from 6pm at Friendlies Oval.
All new and existing members are encouraged to come down.
All Blacks will also hold their team selections on Monday, January 28, and Wednesday, January 30, at Faithfull St Stadium at the Benalla P-12 Campus, starting from 6pm.
If girls are thinking of playing in the 2019 season these trails dates are compulsory.
16th January, 2019.
https://www.benallaensign.com.au/@sport/2019/01/15/400105/sport-netball1111-all-blacks-announce-netball-coaches-for-new-season
Ready and raring: The 2019 Benalla All Blacks Netball coaches.
