New Riddell A-grade coach Chris O’Sullivan jumped at the chance to step up at the Riddell District Netball League club.
O’Sullivan has been at the club the past two seasons as part of the B-grade coaching team.
He was set to be co-coach for the B-grade and C-grade sides next season along with Jo Poyser and will next step into A-grade as well.
O’Sullivan joined the Bombers a couple of seasons ago after reaching out to see whether there were any umpiring opportunities at the club.
“When the opportunity arose [to coach A-grade] I took it,” he said
“I coach A-grade in the BFNL (Bendigo Football Netball League) and had to re-sign due to work.
“I was travelling to Bendido three times a week and living in Melbourne.
“I had played with Lauren Close [Nolan] for years … She asked if I was interested in assisting B-grade.
“I then became co-coach this year and it’s a natural progression.”
The B-grade side has won the past couple of grand finals, while the A-grade side has fallen short at the final hurdle against Woodend-Hesket the past three years.
O’Sullivan said outgoing A-grade coach Emily Ktona had done a really good job the past couple of years.
Having been at the club, O’Sullivan said he had a feeling for the club and players that were around.
“They had an outstanding season in A-grade,” he said. “Hopefully the side can take the next step next season.”
O’Sullivan said they were still putting their sides together for next season and were hoping to keep the core group together.
He said some B-grade players had put their hands up to step up into the higher grade which was encouraging.
“We’re looking to retain six or seven of the players from last season,” he said.
“We’re still putting pen to paper. There’s a lot of young talent.
“We’re looking to get the girls to the next level.
“We’ll look within the club first and foremost and then look to recruit.”
Eliza and Xara Burge are two confirmed departures having moved to the Ballarat Netball League.
O’Sullivan said Hayley Brown and Holly Poyser were two of the younger players who had stepped up last season.
The club also has a talented under-19s squad.Mekiah Johns will coach that side, with former Riddell A-grade coach Eliza Allen assisting.
“Eliza has been amazing,” O’Sullivan said.
If O’Sullivan wasn’t busy enough he has taken on a role with Victorian Netball League club Western Warriors and their development side.
“It wasn’t something that I was expecting,” he said. “I got a phone call and was up for a challenge.
“I’ll learn how to coach off some experienced coaches.”
O’Sullivan said they were keen to more success across all five sides next season.
