EAGLEHAWK will revert to a single A-grade netball coach in 2020, with Allira Holmes to continue at the helm at Canterbury Park.
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Holmes, a BFNL inter-league representative as a player in 2019, was joint coach alongside Mali Roberts last season, helping guide the Hawks to a preliminary final berth.
But with Roberts opting not to seek reappointment due to work and other commitments, Holmes will take charge of the A-grade team on her own.
Her reappointment marks a return to solo coaching for Holmes for the first time since leading Golden Square to a BFNL A-grade grand final against Sandhurst in 2017.
She is excited by the challenge.
"It was always nice to have Mali around and have another sounding board, but with our netball committee and the other coaches we will get on board, you are never really on your own per se," Holmes said.
"I'm not worried about it. It will be great just being back among the girls.
I'm only coaching A-grade this year, with work and other things being so busy, added Holmes, who also coached the A-reserve team in 2019.
With the coaching appointment finalised, Holmes' focus has quickly turned to Eaglehawk's forthcoming tryouts on November 26 and December 1 and recruiting.
The Hawks are hopeful of retaining as many as possible of its A-grade squad, which came within one game of a grand final berth.
"It's quite early, but at this stage we look like keeping nearly everyone from last season," she said.
"Obviously, poor Bridget (Murray) is still out with (an Achilles) injury, that's probably the only known change at the moment.
"It just depends on her rehab and recovery, but she is doing everything right to try and get back into things as quick as she can, but it's all about timing."
A talented Hawks, led on-court by Holmes and 2019 Betty Thompson Medal winner Ashley Ryan, finished last season in third spot, after exiting the premiership race with a preliminary final loss against Kangaroo Flat.
Finals wins over South Bendigo (elimination final) and Gisborne (first semi-final) were the club's first at A-grade level since its last A-grade premiership year in 2012.
Holmes insisted there was scope for improvement on a 2019 season which brought measures of both excitement and disappointment.
"Third's good, but it's probably not good enough," she said.
"We had the potential, but that was probably the most frustrating thing. That (preliminary final loss) was the game we put out there on court and it wasn't good enough on the day.
"But it's definitely exciting going into 2020 knowing that we can only improve on that."
Eaglehawk is still on the lookout for senior and junior coaches. Potential applicants are urged to contact Deb Lawton on 0427 518 731, or email eaglehawknetball@gmail.com
Tryout dates and times: Tuesday, November 26 (17-and-under, 6-7.30pm; seniors 7.30-9pm); Sunday, December 1 (17-and-under, 2-4pm; seniors 4-6pm).
A third tryout might be held if needed.
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