Ruby Wilson loves nothing more than helping kids do their best.
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The 24-year-old English and humanities teacher does it every day at Emmanuel College.
And it was this passion that took her from the Hampden league's South Warrnambool to the Warrnambool and District league's Dennington during the off-season.
Wilson said the Dogs approached her with an offer to play in the top side while also coaching the club's under 15 side.
"Dennington just presented so professionally," she said. "I know it's a club that really nurtures and cares for its juniors - its culture really aligned with my values.
"And I've never had the chance to coach a team throughout a whole season.
"So it's my first time creating a side and I'm finding it really fun - it reminds of why I started playing netball to begin with."
Wilson said the most challenging aspect of coaching juniors was just keeping things simple.
"You can't teach them team structure without getting to know the basics," she said.
"But you don't want to overload them with information either, so you've got to pick and choose."
The best part, she said, was teaching them a skill and immediately putting it into practice on the court.
Wilson spent three seasons with the Ballarat Swans from 2015 to 2017, before returning to South Warrnambool, her junior club, last season.
Dennington finished second in the WDFNL in 2018. And Wilson, who will play in the mid-court, has already gelled well with head coach Josie Bolden.
"She's made it clear we've got a massive focus on being positive and forming bonds between teammates," she said. "We want to play competitive netball, but the focus is on having fun."
Wilson said the squad has enjoyed a strong pre-season, with youngster Zoe Fleming catching her eye.
She said Fleming, a goal-shooter, will mainly play in the under 17 side while also pushing for selection in the A-grade team and getting the chance to learn from dual premiership player and 2018 club best and fairest-winner Jessica Haberfield.
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