NORTH Warrnambool Eagles are turning to a former New Zealander as they push for Hampden league netball redemption next year.
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New A grade coach Jody Roth last night cast an eye over the Eagles’ immense pool of talented teenagers during try-outs as she steps into her first senior role.
Roth, a non-playing coach, is a highly-credentialled mentor at junior level, having steered Hampden league rival Hamilton Kangaroos to consecutive 17 and under finals campaigns in the past two seasons.
She revealed her initial interest in joining the Eagles centred on the club’s 17 and under job, but netball co-ordinator Maree Millard steered her towards the A grade position after 2013 premiership coach Sharon Kenna stepped down.
Roth, who lives at Tarrington with her family and helps run a farm and transport company, said she was looking forward to starting a new chapter in her long netball career.
“I love coaching young ladies, young girls, that’s why I’ve taken the job at North. They have so much talent at the club,” she said.
“It’s exciting. They ooze talent and excitement.
“To be honest I’m really nervous about it but I’m excited and up for the challenge.”
Roth said her decision to leave the Kangaroos was based on making a fresh start. “It was time to move on,” she said. “It’s going to be odd playing them because I have a lot of friends at the club but things come to an end for a reason and bigger doors open for a reason.”
Roth said the Eagles’ young A grade side and pool of quality teenagers had drawn her to Bushfield Recreation Reserve.
She is looking to Laura and Annie Blackburn, Jordyn and Skye Billings and defender Rachael Ryan to lead the side as opportunities for a number of highly-talented youngsters open up.
She said players like Sophie Chow, who did not play A grade this year because of school commitments,
Kate O’Meara, Chelsea Baxter and Laura Rafferty were on her radar to step up in 2015.
“They ooze energy and they are just so exciting,” she said.
Roth has been an assistant coach with the Western Region zone academy for five years and knows the youngsters’ skills well.
Roth, who played and coached netball in her New Zealand home town of Palmerston North on the North Island, moved to Tarrington 17 years ago with her husband.
She had a year playing at former Western Border league club Hamilton, where she suffered a serious knee injury that ended her playing career in 2006 before joining rival Hamilton Imperials in 2007.
She steered the club’s 17 and under side to the 2008 flag before taking on the Netball Victoria academy roles.
Millard said she was delighted the club had secured Roth, who would bring fresh ideas.
“I’m really excited to announce her appointment and look forward to working with her,” Millard said. The Eagles have locked in their junior coaches for 2015, with premiership coach Jackie Smedts reappointed to oversee the 13 and unders. Dot Jenkins will continue with the 15 and unders.
The club’s A grade coach of the past three seasons, Sharon Kenna, has accepted the 17 and under job.