Midcourt star Lisa Pender has taken on the role of A grade coach at the Lions for the 2016 season.

Pender will not have to go far if she needs some extra advice with 2015 coach Bree Wastell staying on board as a player. 

And South Rovers’ 2011 A grade premiership coach, Kylie Carter, is in place as a coaching mentor to Pender.

Since Carter coached the Lions to its first and only premiership in the top grade, South Rovers has struggled to match it with the competitions top teams.

Last year South Rovers won three games to finish in 11^th place on the ladder.

They will go into 2016 without goal shooter Narelle Marsden who has gone to Panmure and centre player Hannah Oates who is heading overseas.

Pender, who started her netball at Timboon Demons and is entering her fourth season at South Rovers, is excited about the job ahead.

“I think I have a good connection with the players so I think that relationship will help,” Pender said.

“I am very focused on my netball, I love it and I’ve been passionate about it forever.

“I want it to be a fun year and strive for finals, we have some great juniors here who have already played senior netball so there is plenty to build on.” 

Pender is putting her skills as a personal trainer to good use as she builds the fitness base of her team during the early stages of pre-season.