ANNA Murnane’s netball career has come full circle.
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The 33-year-old goaler will coach Nirranda’s A grade side in 2015, about a decade after she last guided the Warrnambool and District league outfit.
The intervening years included another stint with the Blues, as well as seasons with Timboon Demons, Camperdown, Cobden and South Warrnambool.
Murnane, a mother-of-two who lives a handful of kilometres from Nirranda Recreation Reserve, takes over from co-coaches Bridget Foster and Sally Bond.
She used her first week in the job to recruit talented sisters Jo and Lisa Couch from Terang Mortlake. Their brother Nathan Couch is already at the club.
Murnane said a host of reasons convinced her to return to Nirranda.
“I suppose it’s the whole new facility for a start. The club has a whole new look with the Nirranda community centre. It’s a fresh start,” she said.
“I’ve had someone put their hand up to look after the kids when I coach. That got me over the line. And I just wanted the challenge, I suppose.”
Murnane played at centre for the Roosters in A1 last season, but anticipated having a role at goal attack at the Blues.
“I’ll fit in wherever I have to. If I have to step down to A res, I’ll step down to A res. It’s not going to upset me,” she said.
She was hesitant to bestow expectations on the side, but “I’m very excited, just with the group of young girls coming through it’ll be good”.
Murnane said she had learnt much from watching South Warrnambool coach Leah Kermeen last season.
“Leah was amazing. Everything was spot on. There was nothing out of place. That’s in the back of my head. She had everything down to a fine line,” Murnane said.
Nirranda secretary Vicki Wickham said the Blues’ seven-member netball subcommittee was pleased to have secured Murnane as coach.
“She’s a local girl with a wealth of knowledge and she’s a good leader. She may have had other options but I’m glad she’s coming on board with us,” Wickham said.
Murnane will also coach the Blues’ A reserve side, while Nikki Mitchem will guide B grade and the 13 and under side.
Jo Couch has taken on the 17 and under coaching role, while Alison Walsh has the reins of the 15 and under side.