Camperdown coach to welcome child weeks out from 2020 netball season

The Magpies defender is due in mid-March.

She expects to lead Camperdown from the sidelines in its season-opener against Terang Mortlake on April 4.

Richardson, 33, admitted being a non-playing coach - she is unsure of when she will return to the court - would be a challenge.

"I'll find it really hard not playing but I think it will be a really good opportunity for me as a coach to sit back and watch," she said.

"Last year my game was lacking because I was focused on others or I was too focused on my game and I'd let other things slip."

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Richardson, a teacher at Lake Bolac P-12, started her maternity leave last week and is spending time with daughter Willow, who turns four in March.

It's also giving the Woorndoo-based Richardson, who is preparing for her sixth season at Camperdown, time to figure out the Magpies' starting seven.

The Pies' defensive end has taken a hit with Richardson sidelined and long-time goal keeper Emma Wright - considered one of the competition's best - moving to Melbourne.

Caitlin Hall, who could swing through wing defence and centre, has also relocated to Geelong.

"It's a good opportunity for new combinations to try back there," Richardson said.

"We'll have a few pre-season games and see how things shape up."

Richardson, who plays alongside twin sister Amanda Clark, said recruiting was a difficult task.

"It's quite challenging to find players to be honest but we do have a good list at the club as it stands," she said.

Camperdown will set the bar high despite its personnel challenges.

The Magpies are searching for their first open netball premiership, having been relegated to runner-up eight times in the competition's 32-year history.

Richardson guided the Pies to an elimination final last season and an upset win against North Warrnambool Eagles before they bowed out against eventual premier Koroit in the first semi-final.

"As a coach you try and top the year before," she said.

"It will be our challenge to do the same if not better.

"We want to put ourselves in the best position."

Richardson said South Warrnambool, which has welcomed goal-scoring power in Annie Blackburn along with Ruby Wilson (Dennington) and Ally O'Connor (illness), would be the big improver in an even competition.

"Every week in the Hampden league is a tough week," she said.

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