For the third time in as many years, the Magpies figure on starting the season with a new head coach.

But finding that person to lead the proud club is proving irksome.

Magpies administrator Rebecca Slater said the club had advertised the position extensively on netball-related websites and social media accounts and also made approaches to several netball people, but so far without luck.

“We’re trying to get the word around – I’ve made a few phone calls to a couple of contacts, “she said.

“But at this point, people who have been coaching have been ready for a break, so we are not having much luck.

“It appears coaches are few and far between at this moment.”

Coaching aside, Slater said the club had received some good offers of assistance in other areas.

“We have had people offered to help in terms of our selection panel and with training, which is always welcome and handy,” she said.

“But that doesn’t solve the problem of a head coach for the season ahead.”

The Magpies finished the 2017 season in 10th position with one win, under former coach Deb Symes.

Their 13-goal win against Kyneton in round three snapped a 42-game losing streak for the A-grade side.

Slater, who will coach some of the Magpies’ senior teams, praised Symes, who effectively came out of retirement to fill the breach as coach

“She really wanted to retire the year before and she delayed that to get us out of a bind,” she said.

“There’s no doubt getting Deb helped us get the number of players we did get, especially the push in to getting some Bendigo girls as well.

“I was lucky enough to sit with her on game days, so was a little bit of mentoring year for me as well.”

Whoever takes on the role will be better placed than Symes at the corresponding time last year.

Thanks to a fruitful recruiting drive last off-season, playing-stocks are looking considerably healthier.

A large-batch of 2017 season newcomers will also have the benefit of a year playing alongside each other, while some of the Magpies more promising 17-and-under girls will step-up to senior ranks.

“We had plenty of fresh girls last year, including some uni students, so we kind of have half Castlemaine girls, half Bendigo,” Slater said.

“We have got a good base of players and the indication is the majority of them are panning on playing again, which is fantastic.

“We also have some players who have played in the past and had a season or two off for whatever reason, who are looking at coming back.

“There are some really talented girls in that mix and some girls ready to learn and develop.”

For coaching inquiries, email netball@castlemainefnc.com.au or phone Rebecca Slater on 0400 118 076.