WARRNAMBOOL playing coach Chloe Arnott opted to lead from the sidelines in a bid to help the Blues end their four-game A grade losing streak on Saturday.
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The decision paid dividends, with the Blues recording a 37-32 win over Cobden.
Arnott said coaching from the sidelines gave her an opportunity to watch the game unfold and give the players more direction.
“I thought it was more important to have me there speaking to the girls,” she said.
“I found it very hard watching but in saying that the girls were fantastic and any direction I said they took it on 100 per cent.
“It was so lovely to finally have a break in the rut and have a win. We were leading for the whole game which was good. The girls got off to a fantastic start.”
Arnott said the win would give Warrnambool confidence but emphasised the need for communication.
“We need to get a lot more voice,” she said. “We’re a very quiet team.”
The Blues used former coach Kate Lindsey in goals alongside teenager Alana Johnstone for a half.
Johnstone finished with 13 goals and impressed Arnott.
Captain Kasey Owen was among the Blues’ best, along with Jenna Graham.
“I’ve moved defender Jenna Graham into centre and she has provided so much drive throughout the midcourt and played a fantastic game,” Arnott said.
“Kasey was BOG. She took a lot of intercepts and is at the top of her game at the moment.”
Warrnambool plays all-conquering Koroit next weekend before the interleague bye.
The Saints crushed reigning premiers North Warrnambool Eagles by 30 goals.
Arnott said the Blues were aware of the enormity of the task ahead of them.
“We’ll set goals for ourselves and work towards that and look to enjoying playing against such a great team,” she said.
Cobden is the only winless side in the A grade competition after five rounds.