NEW Huntly A-grade netball coach Emily Eliades says she looking forward to the challenge of stepping up to the top grade.
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Eliades joins the Hawks after spending the past few seasons playing and coaching lower grade teams at Dunolly in the Maryborough Castlemiane District Football Netball League.
She replaces former coach Jody Warfe and will coach both the A-grade and A-reserve teams.
The appointment is Eliades' first foray into the Heathcote District Football Netball League.
She said it represented a fresh start for both coach and players.
"I don't know any of the players and they don't know me, so it's a clean slate for everyone," Eliades said.
"But I'm really excited - I haven't done any A (grade) or A-reserve coaching in any league but feel the time is right to step up to A-grade.
"I believe I can do it - I think I have had a pretty good apprenticeship."
If first impressions count, the union between the Hawks and Eliades should prove successful.
The new coach could not be more lavish in her praise of how welcoming the club had been.
Eliades will be supported by Melissa Matthews, who will coach the Hawks' B-grade and 17-and-under teams, and B-reserve mentor Melanie Biggs.
Huntly FNC president Sam Walker was confident the coaching group could build on the club's 2016 season.
"Emily's commitment and enthusiasm will be a great asset to the club next season and beyond," he said.
He said Matthews and Biggs were both life members of the club and offered more than 500 games of playing experience between them.
Attention for the Hawks will now turn to recruiting.
Eliades felt the Hawks, who finished last season in fifth position, were in need of "just a few" recruits to challenge a strong top four comprising reigning premiers Colbinabbin, White Hills, North Bendigo and Leitchville-Gunbower.
"They've got a good base, so hopefully we can top that A-grade team up and fill a couple of holes," she said.
"I believe we can do that.
"And when you can see growth in a team and the club, is very rewarding for everyone."
Eliades was a premiership player with Loddon Valley league club YCW in the late 2000s and also played with Marong.
The Hawks will hold tryout dates for all senior grade and 17-and-under teams on Monday, November 28 at 6.30pm, Sunday, December 4 at 10am and Monday, December 5 at 6.30pm.
New and existing players can contact Emily Eliades on 0448 477 366 for information.
