SOUTH Warrnambool’s search for a new netball coach is over.
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Former playing coach Susan Pettigrew is returning to lead the Roosters 15 years after she last coached the club.
Pettigrew takes over from Hampden league life member Leah Kermeen, who will continue her distinguished playing career while pursuing endurance running pursuits.
The appointment, which comes five months after Kermeen announced she wanted to step back, completes the league’s A grade coaching line-up for the 2015 season.
Pettigrew, who last coached at junior level with Hawks a couple of seasons ago, said she was looking forward to her role.
“I wasn’t planning on doing it,” she said.
“It wasn’t on my radar.”
But the opportunity to oversee what is expected to be a youthful line-up again this season was too good to refuse.
Pettigrew said the bulk of her side would be teenagers.
“We are going to learn from each other,” Pettigrew said.
“I will learn from them and provide a stable head. They have all these skills and they are only 17 and playing A grade. I’m here to give them some stability and structure. My job really is to give them some guidance.”
Pettigrew said she was looking forward to the season.
“I am excited about it,” she said.
“I’m excited about being back in the competition at the higher level, back in the Hampden league.”
She said the energy and enthusiasm among the group had struck her, pointing to a positive experience for both the players and her this season.
Pettigrew is unsure what to expect on the court, unaware of rival teams’ progress in the off-season.
The Roosters, who played off in the elimination final last year against Portland, will be looking for more development from their talented teenagers who had a big impact in 2014.
While the Roosters are yet to finalise their squad, dynamic midcourter Ruby Wilson has indicated she won’t be returning from university studies in Ballarat to play this season while key defender Gen O’Connor, who is also off to university, will have a limited presence. But the club’s deep pool of young talent will again be showcased in senior ranks.
South Warrnambool opens its 2015 campaign in the league’s pre-season cup competition on March 28, with its first game of the home-and-away season scheduled at home against Camperdown on April 18.?