MERBEIN netball coach Breigh Caley is ready to “take on the A Grade” after stepping up to help last year’s coach in a SFNL season that “never eventuated”.
Caley said she was grateful the club moved her into the official coaching role after 2020 coach Chloe Lewis returned home to Cavendish due to COVID-19.
“Here I am in 2021 and I’m lucky enough that Merbein has put some trust in me and that they’re letting me take on the A Grade,” Caley said.
She said she was hoping to emphasise the importance of commitment and loyalty to the club.
“I won’t be focusing just on the wins although that’s always a positive,” she said.
“But also that club membership of genuinely wanting to be there and enjoying playing the sport again, especially after a season off.
“The break has reminded us of what we miss about the game of netball.”
Caley said the transition from juniors to seniors has been challenging for some as their final year in under 17s was cancelled due to the pandemic.
She said the A Grade squad would comprise half returning players and half new faces.
“There are a fair few girls returning though some have moved away for work or uni,” Caley said.
“And there are a lot of new faces starting together which is nice.”
It has been two years since Caley was last in an official coaching position – with Gol Gol in the Millewa Netball Association.
She said she moved to the SFNL in the search for a club where her sons could start playing junior football this year.
“Merbein still has that small country town feel,” she said.
