South Rovers yesterday unveiled the former Warrnambool utility as their coach for the 2015 Warrnambool and District league season.

Wastell, 25, has spent the past four seasons at Reid Oval, taking charge of the Blues’ A1 and 17 and under sides.

She replaces Kylie Carter in the top job at Walter Oval. Her partner Nathan Isles is the Lions’ new senior football coach.

“I coached Warrnambool’s A1 side this year and the year before I coached under 17s. This is the next step up,” Wastell said yesterday.

“It was always a goal to coach an A grade side. From A1 in the Hampden league, the next step is A grade in the District league.

“The timing was right with Nathan moving across. We’ve got a little boy together;  it’s keeping us all at the one club.”

The goal keeper said she was excited about taking on a top-grade coaching job, having overcome initial nerves.

“I was very reluctant to leave Warrnambool because I love the club, but this makes it easier for our family,” she said.

“I did a bit of research and I’ve heard nothing but good things about how social, how friendly, how supportive everyone is of each other (at Rovers).

“I was very nervous but I’ve got big support from Kate Lindsey. She’s been in my ear and helping me a lot, even from Melbourne.

“She’s settled those nerves and set the excitement in, which is good .”

Wastell, who has also played at Caramut and Newstead, said she was working on recruits to join her but had yet to secure any signatures.

She confirmed dominant goal shooter Narelle Welsh would return to the court, having missed season 2014 due to pregnancy.

Carter and midcourter Georgia Bolden, who have retired, are the only confirmed departures.

The shake-up means the Lions are chasing a goal defender and midcourter, with former league best and fairest Natalie Inia likely to play in attack.

Talented juniors are also likely to receive opportunities with Wastell at the helm.

“I’m a massive believer that you have to develop your juniors. They are the future. That’s something Warrnambool does quite regularly,” she said.

“Last year every round you’d have five or six play up. This is their first year out of under 17s and they’re playing A grade because we developed them.”

Wastell said she agonised over the decision to leave Warrnambool but was happy with her choice.

“I think I played with it for five or six weeks. Krystal Day is coaching there (in A1) and I was looking forward to playing under her,” she said.

“When Kasey Owen left (to coach Koroit), that made it a big decision for me. Kasey is a good friend.

“When she left it put me on the fence — what do I do. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make in netball.”

afawkes@fairfaxmedia.com.au