COMING off a runners-up in last season’s A Grade, Amy Lewis will have a tough task on her hands to take Harrow-Balmoral to the title this season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Southern Roos will be forced to make at least four changes to the A Grade side this season.
“There will be many new faces in the A Grade line up in 2018,” Lewis said.
“Our defence line will be completely different with both Kate Vickery and Ebonie Salter out, as well as Sarah Cleaver from goals and Bec Frances from the centre court. Quite some shoes to fill with the calibre of players out in 2018.”
Lewis said with the departures provided an exciting opportunity for some of the club’s younger players.
“It’s a really exciting time for some juniors and players that have been on the cusp of A Grade to step up and cement their spot in senior netball,” she said.
With some experienced players out, Lewis said she would be expecting others to take on leadership positions to help out those new to A Grade.
“Individually I expect all my players to have a big year, in the sense that I would hope that all players will show improvement from the start of the season to the end of the season,” she said.
“Naturally, I will also expect those players that have played A Grade previously to mentor the new and/or younger girls coming up.”
This will be Lewis’ second season in charge of an A Grade netball side.
She said she was still finding out what her particular coaching style was, and looked forward to another year at the helm.
“My style of coaching is very much in its infancy and no doubt I will have to adapt throughout the season as I get to know my players,” she said.
“As a playing-coach there will be added challenges, the biggest will be ensuring that I am providing my players with sufficient guidance and at the same time playing good quality netball myself.”
Harrow-Balmoral starts its season against Pimpinio at Balmoral on April 7.
Q and A with Amy Lewis
Who do you think will be the team to beat?
With so many ins and outs year to year it’s difficult to know who the team to beat will be, especially given there are only seven players on a netball court, so one or two player changes can make a huge difference. We won’t be taking any teams lightly.
What has you most excited about this season?
I’m really looking forward to getting back into coaching and seeing how the team progresses throughout the season.
Where do you expect improvement to come?
As we progress throughout the season I hope that improvement will come from players learning to be accountable for their own performance and sticking to the game plan.
