After helping at two training sessions, a Hampden league legend has signed on as Timboon Demons netball coach.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Camperdown and Hampden league life member Leah Sinnott knows just a couple of players at the Warrnambool and District league club but is ready to take on the challenge.
Sinnott said she had surprised herself taking on the role.
"A friend at work had mentioned it to me," she said.
"I had pushed it off and said it wasn't something I was thinking of doing.
"They were pretty stuck and I offered to help out with some sessions and at that stage I just wanted to help because I don't like to see clubs suffer and girls miss out on quality games."
Sinnott's first training run with the Timboon Demons made an impression.
"When I went down for that first session I enjoyed speaking and doing things that perhaps I've done a million times at Camperdown but it felt like it was all new and fresh," she said.
The Magpies stalwart will bring more than 300 games' experience.
Sinnott said it would be hard to leave Camperdown but it was time for some new faces to step into leadership positions at the club.
"It's not that I'm saying goodbye to Camperdown, it's just a change of pace for a while," she said.
"It's about time to let some new people step through, it's better for a club."
Sinnott said it would be strange to have a different team in front of her, wearing different colours.
"The whole concept will take a lot to get used to," she said.
"It's a new club, new way of doing things, new expectations and I'm looking forward to it.
"I'm a bit daunted by some aspects but I'm sure it will be fine once I get to know everyone and get more comfortable."
Sinnott has been a playing coach in the past but will lead from the sidelines at Timboon Demons.
She said she wouldn't play because she had been dealing with back and calf injuries for the past seven years.
She had a bulging disc in her back which flared up last year.
"I have episodes where I'm stuck in bed and can't move," she said.
"When it goes it's pretty intense. It went about four times on me in the latter part of last year.
"It's not worth it at my age and in this part of my career to put myself through it.
"It would be long shot if I were to pull a dress on."
Sinnott is a grade 5 and 6 primary teacher at St Patrick's Camperdown and said her job helped her coaching.
"A lot of the things you do, it helps you manage training," she said.
"It helps you speak and work with different people and personalities.
"They're probably two roles that complement each other well."
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.