NEW Warrnambool A grade coach Kate Lindsey will use her vast junior coaching experience to nurture the Blues’ next generation.
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Lindsey, 24, has coached Hampden league at under 15 and under 17 levels and led Warrnambool’s 17 and under team in 2012.
She will combine A grade duties with 15 and under coaching at the Blues this season.
Lindsey said the Blues would field a young A grade side, with 23-year-old Kasey Owen the stalwart.
“Because the group is quite young it is an advantage having coached juniors,” she said.
“With juniors it is more skills-based whereas seniors is tactical.
“I have done two years under Lorraine (English) and learned a lot under her.
“I think it will be a pretty seamless transition.”
Lindsey said coaching, not playing, would be her focus this season.
“My passion is coaching. I may play a few games in the reserves depending on numbers but I want my focus to be on A grade and be there from start to finish,” she said.
Lindsey, who combined A1 and 17 and under coaching last season, said leading a senior Hampden side required commitment. “It is not only training and games, it is making sure players are happy, the board is happy and the committee is happy,” she said.
“But the committee is really supportive so I can’t see there being any issues.”
Promising teenagers Carly Pulling (Koroit) and Indi Morrison (North Warrnambool Eagles) have joined Warrnambool.
Lindsey said the pair were handy additions who would bolster the Blues’ mid-court. “They will bring a bit of grunt. They are young and don’t have any fear,” she said.
“Carly was an experienced player at Koroit playing in senior flags.
“Indi is a really fantastic centre and I think she can fill a spot there.
“Bringing in new players we are going to be able to develop a strong culture across the senior grades.”
Warrnambool, which has lost key players Emma O’Keeffe and Sarah Hearn to Port Fairy, will give junior players senior opportunities.
Lindsey said goalie Danielle McKinnon would get more A grade exposure and defender Chantelle Moloney had committed solely to Warrnambool.
Moloney played 17 and unders for Warrnambool in 2012 and seniors for Warrnambool and District league club Nirranda.
Warrnambool will start pre-season on Monday.
justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au