Allansford hasn't had to look far for a familiar face to coach its A grade side up the ladder in 2019.
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The Cats, who finished 12 points out of finals in seventh, have opted to back in experienced coach Bridget Foster with the club’s top netball side.
The 28-year-old’s first coaching role in the Warrnambool and District League was with Nirranda’s A reserve side for four years and one year as A grade co-coach with Sally Bond between 2010-14.
She then moved, with partner Matt White, to Allansford and in 2016 she became co-coach of the Cats’ A grade side with Sarah Neeson before a break where she had her first child Max, seven months.
Foster, who in her time off last season after the birth of Max assisted with the A reserve side, said the club was eager to take a rebuilding pathway.
“The club are trying to go in the direction of junior development” she told The Standard.
“They think I am the best fit to encourage some of these juniors to excel in the senior ranks and try as a group to bridge that gap between the ranks.”
Foster was informed she would take over from Scott Redmond, who coached the Cats for the first time in the recent season, on Wednesday before the club announced her appointment on social media on Thursday night.
The star midcourter, who is also a qualified hairdresser, believes her coaching style is “a bit old school”.
“My players will have to be more accountable and they have to get their basics right,” Foster said. “There is no point trying to break a game open if you don’t do the simple things well.
“I think in that aspect I feel my style is a bit old school and it’s a pretty simple game that you need to play well.”
Foster said the direction Allansford is heading would suit what she likes about coaching.
“Everyone always says that its the things you see at training working on game day,” she said. “That is me but I really enjoy seeing the juniors wanting to have a crack and trying to see them be more accountable in higher grades.
“In juniors they are able to get away with it but in the senior ranks they need to learn that they are on their own and need to step up.”
The mother-of-one was hoping her recognisable face in the top role could help the club attract players.
“Having me coach because I am a familiar face might help people who have previously played and thinking of coming back will see me and really promote the family aspect around the netball and football,” Foster said.
Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
