Tara Murray
Macedon will have a new coach for next year’s Riddell District Netball League season, after deciding to part ways with Ciara Stewart.
The club had the decision part way through the season that they would have a new coach next season, with Stewart staying on to coach the rest of the season.
Stewart said she was disappointed that her time at Macedon would come to an end.
“They contacted me and told me the committee had decided not to renew my contract,” she said.
“It came as a shock. I understand their reasons and respect that the club has decided to go down a different pathway.
“Of course I was disappointed as both teams I coach were on top of the ladder when the decision was made.”
Stewart said there had been some great support from players and people within the club and previously connected the club, which has made it easier each week to turn up.
Stewart says she will walk away proud from the club and what they have achieved in that time.
“I think every single year we’ve had at least one team in the grand final,” she said.
“I’ve built a good culture at Macedon which is competitiveness, community oriented and respectful.
“Other clubs have asked me how we’ve been able to maintain a strong A-grade side that has stuck around and we’ve been able to retain players.”
Stewart is hoping her time at the Cats can continue a couple more weeks, with both the A-grade and B-grade sides still in finals.
While still focused on helping the Cats get as far as they can this season, Stewart has started thinking about her netball future.
She said she would love to stay involved in the league.
“I’ve had some conversations with people and clubs,” she said.
“I live in Sunbury and would love to stay in the RDFNL. The league is a well established grassroot football and netball league and I think I could still have a positive influence on netballers in the region.”
Macedon president Mark Cooke said it was a hard decision to make and thanked Stewart for everything she had done for the club.
He said they needed a coach that would be able to help grow the program from the ground up.
“We want to try and get our junior netball up and push juniors into seniors and get a bit more youth,” he said.
“Eight years is probably enough in a head coaching role and it’s time to get some new blood in and hopefully get back some of the girls who have left to come back.”
“It’s not been an easy decision and credit to Ciara she has been a fantastic coach for the club. The club want to thank Ciara for the hard work spent with the girls and we wish her good luck.”
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