IT's lucky Darcy Keast had his breakthrough season in seniors for North Warrnambool Eagles in 2010 because if it was this year instead, his mother would have missed the start of his matches.
Jodie Keast has been appointed to lead the Eagles' senior netball side this season, with the new coach looking forward to spending more time at the Bushfield Recreation Reserve courts.
Her daughter Mollie is a junior player at the club which has traditionally had a strong focus on its young netballers.
Keast plans to continue the trend this season, saying at least seven teenagers would be pushing for a spot in North's top side.
"I'm really excited with the list we've got, first with all the exciting players we've got and also the talent of the juniors coming through," she said.
"We've got some fantastic junior players and that's a credit to our coaching staff like Jackie (Smedts) and Dot (Jenkins).
With only one potential departure at this stage, which is the versatile Sophie Barr, Keast hoped the Eagles would fly up the ladder in 2011 after finishing seventh last year.
"I definitely think we've got enough talent to make finals, which will be a step forward from last year," she said before nominating Hampden league's reigning premiers as the side to beat.
"I think every team's going to be up against it when they play Koroit.
The 45-year-old is no stranger to success, soaking up several A grade premierships as a goaler with Northern Districts in the Warrnambool and District league from 1991 to 1995.
After a stint for North Warrnambool as well, which included playing in the club's first netball flag, she gave up the sport about 12 years ago but has continued her involvement in the game, highlighted by coaching juniors at Warrnambool City Netball Association.
This year will mark her first senior coaching role.
As well as the appointment of Keast, Eagles president Michael Harrison was pleased to announce that Maree Millard was the club's netball director again.
"I am delighted Maree has been appointed netball director to look at our talented netballers," he said.