Sport
10 January, 2025
Hampden announces junior netball coaches
HAMPDEN Football Netball League has announced its junior Association Championship netball coaches for 2025.
The league will participate in the Western Zone Association Championship qualifiers in Warrnambool on June 1 before moving onto the state titles on June 29.
Experienced Koroit Open coach Danielle McInerney will head the under 17 squad once again, after leading them to a semi-final berth at the 2024 state titles.
The under 15 squad will be guided by North Warrnambool open coach Maddison Vardy, who enters the role with an extensive coaching background in both junior and senior programs.
Experienced mentors Leah Kermeen and Josie Ellerton will be the co-coaches of the under 15 reserves squad.
Koroit legend Kate Dobson has been appointed the under 13 coach for the second successive year and will be assisted by Marie-Clare Smedts.
Dobson and Smedts have worked with one another at the Koroit Saints for the past few seasons and have built a strong coaching relationship.
Hamilton Kangaroos mentor Nat O’Dea will also be involved in the HFNL Associations Championships program for a consecutive year, re-appointed as under 13 reserves coach.
She will be assisted by Lianna Harrison.
HFNL head of netball Dot Jenkins said the league was absolutely thrilled that several of its club coaches had put up their hands to support the players for the 2025 campaign.
“The leagues’ strength is enhanced by the club coaches, and we value the time and commitment our coaches give to the association championships,” Jenkins said.
“Having proficient netball coaches with a deep understanding of the game’s rules, techniques and tactics enhances the development of the players.”
The HFNL Open coach will be announced sometime this month.
