![Ally O'Connor is excited to play for South Warrnambool again. Picture by Chris Doheny Ally O'Connor is excited to play for South Warrnambool again. Picture by Chris Doheny](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/justine.mc%40fairfaxmedia.com.au/310a201b-12c2-4a1b-a697-7bb31537486b.jpg/r0_0_4347_2898_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
PLAYING for coach Will Jamison was a driving factor in Ally O'Connor's decision to rejoin South Warrnambool.
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The 2021 Hampden league best-and-fairest winner has committed for the 2023 season after a 12-month stint with Geelong league club Bell Park.
O'Connor, who turns 23 on Friday, said Jamison's experience and netball nous would help her fine-tune her midcourt craft.
"I have always been in contact with South and throughout the year I was there for a few games and helped out at a few training (sessions)," she said.
"Having a few conversations with Will who has been in elite roles - he's been an elite player for the men's state and Australian teams - I think he is someone I will really value playing under.
![Ally O'Connor grew up playing netball at Friendly Societies' Park. Picture by Chris Doheny Ally O'Connor grew up playing netball at Friendly Societies' Park. Picture by Chris Doheny](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/justine.mc%40fairfaxmedia.com.au/ce760fcd-308b-49ac-9069-31df8a8103cd.jpg/r0_0_4324_2883_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
"I just see him as a really good role model in netball and in life too."
The Roosters broke a three-decade premiership drought in September.
O'Connor is eager to be part of their back-to-back attempt.
"I think we really want to focus on developing set plays as we are growing," she said.
"It is exciting to see everyone grow as a player and I think if I come in more connections can be made."
The centre said older sister Gen - a former Rooster - was moving home from Gold Coast and was eyeing a potential move overseas next year.
But O'Connor would love to play a game or two with her sibling, if the timing was right.
![South Warrnambool will be hoping Ally O'Connor can add to its midcourt in 2023. Picture by Chris Doheny South Warrnambool will be hoping Ally O'Connor can add to its midcourt in 2023. Picture by Chris Doheny](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/justine.mc%40fairfaxmedia.com.au/c1073ea3-1db1-4d13-b7cd-63f33eea211e.jpg/r0_0_3948_2562_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
"I am going to try and get her to a few training (sessions) and see how she goes," she said.
"It is one of my dreams to play in a few (more) games with her at South.
"We played in 2014 together, that was my first year in open I think, and her last."
O'Connor, who is based in Geelong and studying nursing, remains committed to high-level netball too and will play for Victorian Netball League club Geelong Cougars and aim to represent Vic Fury at the national championships.
The Cougars, who play in a weekly state-based competition which plays midweek matches, will start their pre-season on November 7.
"It is going to be a pretty big year in terms of me putting my effort into netball next year and I'll see how that goes," she said.
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