New Terang Mortlake netball coach Pam Davis.
PAM Davis is an advocate of never say never.
The long-time Warrnambool netball servant is returning to the sidelines as Terang Mortlake’s new A grade coach.
The Bloods will be Davis’ third Hampden Football Netball League club, having coached at South Warrnambool between 1996 and 2000, before a short stint overseeing Warrnambool’s A1 side.
Davis, who was president of the Warrnambool City Netball Association for 14 years, revealed a joint coaching role with Hampden White’s open division Western Regional State League team had reignited her passion to lead a side.
“The opportunity came up to help out at state league coaching and it probably got me going again,” Davis said.
“It got me back out there and in among it.
“I thought when Terang Mortlake was looking for someone if they were happy to have me, I would give it a go.”
Davis said her enthusiasm to coach the Bloods stretched beyond filling the vacancy.
“There is a lot of juniors down there and mainly it was a chance to develop them and work with great juniors along with Jess O’Connor,” she said.
“I’m really looking forward to working really closely with all the juniors.”
Davis said she had no expectations of her new side. After taking her first training session on Monday night, she vowed to adopt a youth policy.
“I think we will be a fairly young side. They have got some really good under 17s and it is about introducing them to senior netball and maybe attract a couple more players,” she said.
“There is quite a few (from last season) who haven’t committed yet, so it could be a whole new-look side. There is plenty of potential juniors to get an opportunity as the season unfolds and no expectations. It’s a rebuilding year.
“I’m excited. But when you make that decision to (come back), you think ‘why am I doing this again going out there?’. But the reaction from the players and the people at Terang Mortlake has been terrific. It makes it all worthwhile.”
One of the question marks with the Bloods’ line-up is whether outgoing coach Megan McKenzie will play. She missed last season with a knee injury and was confined to a non-playing role and Davis said she was yet to overcome the long-term problem.
Davis said O’Connor, a key defender, would coach the club’s 17 and under side, while talented youngster Sharni Moloney will oversee the 15 and unders. Davis’ daughter Jess will look after the 13 and unders.
“It’s always good to see these younger players take on coaching roles,” Davis said.
Since leaving the Hampden league coaching ranks, Davis had a stint at Deakin University and has fulfilled roles with the Warrnambool association’s squads. She has had a big involvement in umpiring and umpire coaching and more recently took on a board position with the HFNL.
grbest@fairfaxmedia.com.au