MERRIVALE has pulled off a coup with Hampden league premiership coach Carly Pulling signing on as the Tigers A grade netball coach for the 2019 season.
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It will be a return home for Pulling.
“My first ever game of netball was for Merrivale,” Pulling said.
“I was 11 and I played 15 and unders.”
Pulling had just one season at the Tigers before heading out to Koroit.
She played in a 13 and under flag for the Saints, setting the tone for a career where winning has become a welcome habit.
Pulling has gone on to play in six senior premierships with the Saints, with the 2018 win a career highlight.
Pulling was co-coach with Jess O’Connor in Koroit’s grand final win over Cobden.
In previous seasons, she had coached the Saints 17 and under and division two teams. It was a family affair at Koroit, with her brothers, Alex Pulling and Todd McLean, playing in Koroit’s senior football premiership.
But family is a big factor in her return to Merrivale.
Her father John Pulling is a club stalwart while her partner Matthew Peake is involved with both the junior and senior football.
Her sister Cloe will be a key player for the Tigers.
Pulling, 23, said she is unlikely to play in 2019, instead coaching from the sidelines.
“I really enjoy coaching but it is hard when you are playing as well,” Pulling said.
“I’m looking forward to just concentrating on coaching. I am coaching A reserve as well so I will run the two grades as one big squad.
“That will give us some really good flexibility and make sure everyone is getting the same message.”
