NEWLY-appointed Panmure netball coach Josie Ellerton says family connections and a strong community focus attracted her to the Warrnambool and District league club.
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The former Terang Mortlake coach and South Warrnambool mentor has replaced Mandy Condon as the Bulldogs’ A grade coach for the 2013 season.
Ellerton, 32, will join her husband, Bulldogs premiership player Murray, at the club.
Ellerton said she felt the time was right to end her decorated Hampden league career and join her husband at Panmure.
“My little boy, Leo, is four, so it’s nice to come back to the same club and do the community thing,” she said.
“Leo is at a really good age and loves it at Panmure and all the footballers in particular are amazing with him.
“It is such a good community and we have some good friends.”
Ellerton said she was honoured to take on the Bulldogs’ coaching role.
“Panmure gave me an opportunity and I think it is probably the right thing to do to help the club out and pass on maybe a little bit of experience and knowledge I have got,” she said.
“A lot of the girls who played last year have played Hampden, so we won’t be on different channels.”
Ellerton, an HFNL best-and-fairest winner, played the bulk of her career at Terang Mortlake. She also coached the Bloods’ A grade side from 2000 to 2003.
The versatile mid-courter has spent the past three seasons at South Warrnambool, playing A grade and working as a junior development coach.
Ellerton said she felt well prepared to lead Panmure.
Ellerton paid close attention to the Bulldogs’ fortunes last season, knowing 2012 would be her final year in the Hampden league competition.
“Last year they played in the preliminary final and they were missing their goal shooter, Brooke Rudezky, in that game,” she said.
“They made the prelim, so you at least want to build on the year before.
“I have never won a senior premiership. I have played in lots and lots of finals, so of course you want to win a flag.”
Emma Roache and her mother Robyn Roache have again signed on to coach the Bulldogs’ A Reserve side.
justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au