Senior Coach (A Grade): Caitlyn Murphy
I am very excited to be taking on my first year as senior coach. Being assistant coach the last 2 years has been a bit of a warm up but the responsibility and commitment has definitely stepped up a level in the senior coach role. I am thankful that I have Jess Parry as assistant coach this year. Her experience, support and knowledge are invaluable. She has been a huge contribution to the team’s success with all she has taught these girls over the past few years.
I really appreciate being able to coach such a great bunch of girls, who are also fantastic sports and players. We still have a young playing group but it is impressive to see them all playing well beyond their years. They have all shown just how much potential they have through a competitive and consistent year of netball. Having nine strong players has given our team extra versatility this year and we are able to play with a range of combinations in all areas of the court. The athleticism and fitness of the girls this year has also been one of our greatest strengths.
Being a playing coach has been one of my biggest challenges this year. It is difficult to concentrate on my own game whilst also trying to do the best for the other players and team as a whole. Having Jess for that extra support and a group of girls who have mostly played together for some time now has definitely made this task easier.
My expectations for this season with a couple of new girls was to get everyone playing as a team, and playing consistently and competitively throughout the season. Ideally it would be great to win another premiership!! I also hope that all the girls are having a very enjoyable season and get something out of it. Hopefully they will want to come back next year.
Assistant: Jess Parry
A Grade Captain: Sophie Flood
Senior Coach (B Grade): Meg Newton
Meg played all her Junior grades at Stawell Warriors until she decided to make the change to Navarre Netball Club in 2013. She came to Navarre because she heard they were a fantastic Club, who were so welcoming and friendly. Even the first preseason training they make you feel like a true Grasshopper.
Meg said by playing at Navarre for the past two years she has won her first ever two premierships in my whole netball career. It was honestly the most amazing, overwhelming feeling that she will never forget and treasure forever.
Meg hopes to give back to the Navarre Football & Netball Club this year as she is unable to play due to coming back from ACL reconstruction after injuring her knee in the 2014 grand final. Meg hopes to improve every girls netball skills, team work, and most of all win a premiership for the girls.
Assistant: Shae Hannett
B Grade Captain: Carly Murphy
Senior Coach (C Grade): Rhi Davis
One of the major things that drew me back to Navarre for my second season was the community spirit, and how welcoming every single person at the club is – how could I say no to coaching?
My first year as a senior coach, and I have high hopes for this completely new C Grade side. The biggest challenge will be helping the girls adapt to each other and senior netball, but with the talent in this side I don’t think it will take much to overcome. The girls are all extremely keen and willing to learn, and have been putting in 100% at training every week.
Assistant: Bek Seeary-Pye
Bek is Rhi's right hand woman, bringing large amounts of coaching experience to the table. Her experience at both ends of the court is allowing her to work with our circle players, all whilst being encouraging and positive no matter the circumstances.
C Grade Captain: Elle Patterson
Vice Captain: Gena Hannett
17 & Under Coach: Maxine Clough
Maxine is Navarre born and bred. She played all her netball with Navarre and was a junior League Best and Fairest winner. Her experience as a coach has been with the Stawell Interchurch Netball Assosication and with Navarre Under 13s. In 2011, she was the Premiership coach of the Under 13s. This year, Maxine is guiding the 17 and Unders, after completing two years with the 15 and Unders. Her side comprises of a mixture of experienced girls and some new to the team. Despite this, Maxine is hoping for some finals experience for her young charges.
17 & Under Captain: Anna Knights
15 & Under Coach: Joan Pyke
Joan came to Navarre after an extensive playing and coaching career with Stawell Swifts. During that time, she coached the A and B Grade teams and also had a go at the Under 17 and Under 15 grades. For 23 years, she was also been a coach and administrator of the Stawell Interchurch Netball Association. Her tireless work and effort were recognised with Life Memberships to Stawell Swifts Football Club, Stawell Swifts Netball Club, Stawell Interchurch Netball Association and the Ararat and District Netball Association. She is also a C grade badged umpire. When Joan arrived at Navarre, she took on the coaching role for the 17 and Under and 15 and Under teams, and made the Grand Final with the 17 and Under team. In 2011, she coached the 17 and Unders to a premiership. She will take on the 15 and Under role after two years off. With such experience and knowledge, the girls are in very capable hands.
15 & Under Captain: Maggie Clough
13 & Under Coach: Leonie Bibby
Assistant: Gena Hannett
Leonie says that growing up in Navarre simply meant playing netball. She played in many final series and grand finals over the years; many successful, some years not so! Leonie also played four years for Warriors, which included two years in A grade. She took some time off due to ankle injuries before having a year with Berriwillock's A grade side. Eventually, Leonie succumbed to the Navarre bug and returned to play with her sister-in-law, Adele Bibby for two years. Winning an A grade premiership and being captain was an absolute highlight. Leonie coached Learmonth U13s for 12 months and now it's great to help out Navarre. Leonie has 14 wonderful young ladies from first year players to 'seasoned' campaigners. Getting them all court time will be tough, but Leonie is positive that if the girls can be patient and hardworking over the next couple of seasons, they will turn out to be great netballers and Navarre's netball future.
13 & Under Captain: Sophie Bibby