RED Cliffs has always been home to the Tigers’ new A Grade netball coach Romany Bowen.
Even while involved with other clubs or with her busy work schedule as a myotherapist, she has always kept a keen eye on the Tigers.
The Bowen name is synonymous with Quandong Park, with Romany’s father David holding the Tigers club record for senior football games of 282 in 23 years.
Now the new netball coach is keen to support an A Grade squad she said has plenty of talent and a few “diamonds in the rough”.
“I’ve always had a love for the club, there are connections there, family friends and I have always been watching them from afar … it’s nice to come home,” Bowen said.
Red Cliffs claimed a solitary draw during the 2023 Sunraysia Football and Netball League season, however their performances often equated to a side with a much stronger record.
With another tight season anticipated in 2024, Bowen believes the team has plenty to work with.
“You could see at half-time they in a lot of games,” she said.
“I just think they’ve got a great group of girls, there some diamonds in the rough that I’d love to get my hands on and start helping further with their development, and to chat with how they want to go with their netball and how we can progress them.
“If anything work has helped me in terms of building rapport, how different people react to stimulus and all those sorts of things, which I believe can help as a coach.
“I just put in 110 per cent and I expect the same from my girls as well.
“I think as I’ve gotten older I’ve learned how to nurture people a bit differently … if anything work has helped me in terms of building rapport, how different people react to stimulus and all those sorts of things, which I believe can help as a coach.
“I need to get to know the girls and start building that rapport with them but I’m really excited to see what makes them tick and see how they strive.”
Defensive stalwart Yelena Richardson and exciting shooter Jazmin Parker were among the players identified to have a strong role in the A Grade side in 2024.
Bowen said she is also keen to help the development of the up-and-coming junior netballers at the club.
“We’re looking for development across the board, so I’m looking at players who are in the current team but also what’s under the surface, keeping an eye on what the under-17s are bringing and what the under-15s are bringing,” she said.
“They will be involved in our training and pre-season.
“We’re not just looking into 2024, we’re looking into the next few years as well.”
