INGLEWOOD has made the first important step towards returning to the A-grade netball court in 2019 with the appointment of Mandy Burrill-Grinton as coach.

Burrill-Grinton, who will lead the Blues’ A and B-grade teams, joins Inglewood with an impressive netball background, having played at state, national and international level, as well as many years of coaching.

She led Mount Pleasant to back-to-back A-grade premierships in the Heathcote District league in 2010-11.

Burrill-Grinton said she was delighted to be back coaching after dedicating the last two years to business and other interests.

“I’ve always been passionate about Inglewood – my husband (Dennis) played there years ago – and I’ve  always had a great rapport with the people out there,” she said.

“They’ve been into me about coming to coach for a few years, so when I heard they didn’t have an A-grade team last season I thought regardless of what Dennis is doing, I’m in.

“It’s a massive challenge … it’s difficult getting people into what some see as remote communities, but to me Inglewood is just a stone’s throw (away from Bendigo).

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge of making Inglewood competitive in the senior netball grades, especially building a really strong A-grade.”

Burrill-Grinton will inherit a club well-stocked with promising juniors. Both Inglewood’s 17-and-under and 15-and-under teams played in LVFNL grand finals in 2018.

The Blues will also have a 13-and-under team next season.

Burrill-Grinton was confident the Blues’ junior success would hold the club in good stead at senior level in the immediate future.

While she boasts extensive coaching and playing experience, Burrill-Grinton said the role at Inglewood would be a first on at least one front.

“It’s going to be a little different in that Dennis and I have coached together at clubs for 25 years and this is the first time we are going in different directions,” she said in reference to her husband, who coaches Huntly’s senior football team.

“But it’s great to be able to share our experience in two different communities, while still being based in Bendigo.”

The appointment is not her first in the Loddon Valley league.

Burrill-Grinton previously coached Pyramid Hill in the late 90s and Mitiamo’s 17-and-under and 15-and-under teams.

With the coaching announcement made, Burrill-Grinton said focus would now turn to recruiting.

She said the club would train in Bendigo, with incentives on offer to players wanting to sign with the Blues.

Club president Chris Cohalan described the appointment of Burrill-Grinton as a big positive.

“This season we unfortunately had to make the decision to withdraw from the A-grade competition.

“At the time we committed to the league to returning to the court in 2019, and the appointment of Mandy is a major step towards achieving that.”

The Blues are still to appoint coaches for C-grade, C-reserve, 17-and-under and 15-and-under.

Applications close on October 31.

For inquiries, contact Tammie Macartney at tammie.macartney@gmail.com

Player inquiries to Mandy Burrill-Grinton on 0438 304 997.

Monday, November 5: 6pm at North Bendigo.

Thursday, November 8: 6pm at North Bendigo.

Sunday, November 11: 10am at Inglewood.

Registrations: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5WY7SHR