Tara Murray
The pieces are starting to come together for the Sunbury Lions ahead of the Ballarat Netball League season.
After losing A-grade coach Josh Burns late in the piece, the Lions have been working hard behind the scenes on the netball program.
While the club is still looking for an A-grade coach, they’ve locked in their other coaches including Netball Australia executive general manager of performance Stacey West.
West’s daughter plays at the club and she was keen to ensure her daughter and the rest of the netballers were getting the support they needed.
“At the start of this year, my daughter was coming home so enthusiastic to play and then there was the unknown what was going on.
“I was speaking to the club and I asked how can I help. They asked would I be happy to help with some coaching. I’m thrilled to do it.
“I’m passionate about netball and community netball. It’s nice to get back to grassroots netball.”
West said the club had been so welcoming since she got involved.
She said the focus this season was building back up the netball program that they can build on in the future.
“They’ve been really open to the suggestion around some of the changes about building the netball back up.
“There’s four coaches who are working together across all the grades. We’re looking at a shared coaching model and I’ll look to provide support and mentoring.
“The focus for his season is really enjoying netball in a supportive environment.”
Former Lions premiership coach Kim Bailey will help coach during the season, when West heads to the Commonwealth Games with the Australian Diamonds.
The club’s A-grade side struggled last season having been a finals contender previously as the club blooded a number of younger players after key departures.
The Lions are still looking for players across all their grades to strengthen their sides.
The club is offering free membership to netball players along with the Netball Victoria registration fee to be paid by the club.
The club will have new rooms and courts in time for the next season.
West said they were looking for more players to come and get involved.
“I’m grateful to the players and coaches that have committed,” she said. “We know things haven’t been perfect.
“We’re really keen for anyone to come down. I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”
The Lions will kick off their season on April 9.
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