Coach congratulated for two decades of dedication

IT WAS 2003 when Jenny McRae first took on a coaching role at Dalyston Football Netball Club.

Twenty years later, she is still celebrated by the club for commitment and dedication to the game.

Jenny began her coaching career with an U13s team, but has since gone on to coach U15s, U17s, A Grade, and league rep sides.

“After my car accident, I wasn’t able to play anymore. My daughters played at the club, and this was my way to stay active in netball,” Jenny said.

The premiership coach said it has been interesting to watch the game change over the years. The pace is faster, centre court players are getting taller, and the intensity is at an all-time high.

“Everyone puts in a lot of hours, especially at a junior level. It’s been important for me to keep up with new methods of coaching because this level is setting them up for the next stage in their careers,” Jenny said.

Much of Jenny’s time goes into googling drills and conferencing with other coaches to keep on top of the ever-evolving sport.

Jenny has enjoyed many highlights, but three grand finals were the cream of the crop.

“During my first year in 2003, we were newly in Alberton and our U13s were played Foster in the grand final. Foster had always been strong and had beaten us all season. We were able to beat them on the day by three goals,” she said.

“In 2017, our A Grade team beat Korumburra-Bena in the grand final in the newly formed West Gippsland league, then again in 2018 our A Grade side beat Phillip Island in the premiership. This was a special win because we had a very young side. The average age of the team was 18 and we were coming in as the underdogs. The girls worked hard all season and fought to the very end.”

This year, Jenny is coaching Dalyston’s U11s and U13s.

“I’ve coached the U11s for the last couple of years and they are sitting second on the ladder at the moment,” she said.

“The U13s are discovering their potential and learning to back their abilities. The juniors are the development years and its important to learn to coach the players as a team and as individuals to help them keep their interest in the game.”