THERE'S a first time for everything - just ask new Portland coach Leah Sullivan.
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Sullivan, who returned to the Hampden league coaching caper this week, will wear the same colours as ex-Tigers leader Lauren Hockley for the first time.
Sullivan, a police officer, arrives with a wealth of coaching and playing experience.
Her Hampden league roots stretch back to stints at Port Fairy and Terang Mortlake through the early 2000s.
The talented goal shooter then moved to lead Melbourne University in the Victorian Netball League before returning to mentor Portland-based club Westerns.
Sullivan was relishing the chance to work alongside Hockley for the first time.
It will alleviate some pressure and let (Lauren Hockley) focus on her game.
- Leah Sullivan
She expected the evergreen goal attack's leadership to remain vital.
"We've never been on the same side before. (Lauren) is such a great umpire and still a terrific player," she said.
"The way she moves around the court is unbelievable. Hopefully without coaching it will alleviate some pressure and let her just focus on her game.
"We had a terrific meeting the other night and I feel like we're really heading in the same direction.
"We're on the same page and really want to get us back to being a challenger."
Sullivan wanted to build a "fearless" side that was attacking in nature.
"I want to bring an attacking flair and I want our players to move around the court effortlessly," she said.
"We don't want to be concerned about turnovers - I want the girls to have no fear and to take the game on.
"I watched the Koroit and Cobden girls a few times this season and they play and move so quickly.
"We want to be able to put it straight back to them and make teams 'd' up on us quickly."
Portland finished last on percentage in 2019.
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