The announcement comes just ahead of netball player selections for the year, being held over the next week.
Tim Van Lieshout will step up as the Under 17s coach, Sarah Purtill will lead the Under 15s side, Nerisa Wills will coach the Under 13s and Lucy Horne will once again mentor the young Under 11s side.
The junior leaders join the list of senior netball coaches, announced in December of 2020. They are Brittany Kirby (A Grade), Nat Sampson (B Grade) and Jemmah Conallin (C Grade and C Reserve).
Van Lieshout will pull double duty for the club, serving as assistant coach for the Roos C Grade and C Reserve sides.
Netball coordinator Nicole Jenkins said Van Lieshout has coached mainly in the senior grades and the club was delighted he had agreed to take on Under 17s.
‘‘We are really focused on junior development and we know the Under 17s are a crucial group,’’ she said.
‘‘We want those players to remain interested and competitive, and to go up into the senior levels.
‘‘He’s perfect for us, and he has a real fitness focus which we want to have in that group.’’
Sarah Purtill, a newcomer to coaching, will bring a fresh perspective to the club.
She has played extensively at a senior level.
‘‘She’s really fit, works well with others, and she has a personality that I think is going to fit well with that age group,’’ Jenkins said.
‘‘I think having that senior player background is going to make her a good role model.’’
Jenkins was also buoyed with the club securing the services of long-time coach Wills, saying the Under 13s players were in good hands.
‘‘Her niche is in that 13 to 15 age group. We got a Most Valuable Player in the Picola League award for one of her girls; she’s developed them beautifully. We are pleased with this appointment,’’ Jenkins said.
Horne will return for her third year leading the Under 11s.
‘‘She’s been a senior coach and is really big on bringing A grade and B grade players in (to meet the girls),’’ Jenkins said.
‘‘These young players love to see what our top level netballers are like. She’s really proactive and loves coaching.’’
The coaching team will help the club to navigate the fresh season after a rough year in 2020.
‘‘By giving a people a go that are really enthusiastic and keen, including experienced coaches, we can get a mentor system happening within our coaching personnel,’’ Jenkins said.
‘‘That will serve us well in the future.’’
Rovers footy coaches for 2021 are Alex Hay (seniors), John Glowrey (reserves), Brendan East (thirds), Peter Wills (fourths) and Shane Knuckey (fifths).
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