McCulloch first took the A Grade head coaching role in 2017, emphasising the development of young players after the club did not field an A Grade side in 2016 due to a lack of numbers.

McCulloch said she was excited for one more season at the helm in the Horsham District league, and hoped her four-year tenure would leave a long-term impact.

"I see a real difference in the players and the culture of the whole place," McCulloch said.

"It's not down to one thing - it's certainly not just because I've been coaching - but it's just the culture of the netballers has changed.

"When I first started, people didn't want to play A Grade. Now I've got young girls asking me what they can do to get into the A Grade side, even though we're still losing most games. That's a big difference to see."

The Lakers won their first A Grade game in seven years last season when they defeated Rupanyup at Dock Lake.

McCulloch hoped to experience the joy of winning "a few more times" next season.

"We just want to build up some sort of foundation that when I walk away at the end of it, everyone will be taken care of and in a good position," McCulloch said.

"It's not just dropping things and walking away. I'm for the long term. Hopefully we have had some long-lasting impact."

Taylors Lake president Tammy McDonald said McCulloch had been a terrific mentor at Taylors Lake.

"We have a lot of confidence in Gab's ability. She set out with a plan and has been slowly achieving that plan," she said.

"Gab has a natural netball mind and she's done a really great job developing our juniors into senior netballers."

EVERY COACH

A Grade - Gab McCulloch

B Grade - Michelle Wilde

C Grade - Tammy McDonald

Under-17s - Michelle Wilde

Under-15s - Shae Campesato and Lyra Hadiak-Bob

Under-13s - Sarah Campey

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