Warrnambool and District league powerhouse unveils new coach Lisa Arundell

Arundell, who most recently coached Hampden league club Terang Mortlake in 2019, will take the hot seat for 2022 after working as a mentor to the Blues' coaches in 2021.

The Old Collegians premiership coach, who steered the Warriors to success in 2013 while Townsend was a player, said she "absolutely loved" her role as a mentor but felt the time was right to return to head coaching.

"I had finished up at Terang Mortlake in 2020 when COVID struck, and it was mainly through family commitments that I needed to ease back a bit," Arundell said.

"In 2021, I knew I didn't want to take on a coaching role as such but Nirranda approached me about being a mentor to coaches out there. I absolutely loved doing that, great feedback, great response from the club and coaches and I just really enjoyed being involved again.

"I had always thought I'd get back into it this year and that just kind of helped cement my decision."

Arundell, an advocate for junior development, said bringing through the Blues' next generation was a high priority.

She said Townsend - a premiership coach in her own right - would continue as a player and expected the reigning Wilma Wallace medallist to enjoy another dominant campaign in 2022.

Arundell said she and Townsend shared similar coaching philosophies and her work would continue from the foundation the star goalie had laid in her five-year stint.

"I would like to think they've got another level and hopefully I can bring that out in them," she said.

"I know Steph herself would just like to be able to go out onto the court and be a player and not have that coaches role.

"Obviously she had a great year this year and so did Jo (Couch) and the rest of the team. It's going to be a balance to sustain that because they have been on a high for quite a long time.

"It'll be interesting to see what happens, if we can maintain that level or if we have a bit of a dip and then come back again.

"But we will be looking to get the best out of them and I would hope that we'd be able to take it to another level."

The Blues had unfinished business after COVID-19 restrictions derailed their chance at a premiership in 2021, Arundell, who owns Arun Dell Home and Style in Hamilton, operates wedding venue Arun Dell on the Hill and owns accommodation, said.

She said Townsend's work as coach and the club's position meant it was the perfect fit for her busy lifestyle.

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