By Tara Murray
Melton is learning on the go in the Ballarat Netball League but excited for the challenge ahead of it.
It’s a brand new team for the Bloods this season so it was always going to take some time to get going.
Throw in a late coaching change and it’s been a hectic few weeks as the season has gotten underway.
Renee Fitzgerald has come on as coach, with Tracey Wallace and Darren Abela no longer able to take on the role after being appointed late last year.
Fitzgerald said it had been a crazy few weeks stepping into the role.
“I’ve only just come in,” she said. “The original coaches couldn’t coach any more.
“I missed the first two games, so it was nice to come in and get that first win.”
Fitzgerald, who coaches at the Heat Netball Club in the Northern Netball League, was preparing just to be a parent on the sidelines with her daughter Emily Fitzgerald in the A-grade side.
When they needed a coach, Fitzgerald stepped up into the role.
“I watched the live stream in round one and someone videoed round two so I could semi watch it,” she said.
“But nothing beats watching it. This is my first year in the league and I wanted to help them out.”
Fitzgerald was very excited by the side that she gets to coach this year.
City West Falcons duo Lucia and Lani Fauonuku have come across. Lucia has represented Tonga on the international stage while Lani is part of the Australian under-17 team.
Akira McCormack is another while significant VNL experience,
“It’s really exciting,” Fitzgerald said. “I had to pinch myself seeing how fantastic they are.
“We’ve hit the ground running and it is full steam ahead.
“There’s some very talented girls in the team and it’s an exciting time as a club and coach.”
The Bloods on Saturday pushed powerhouse North Ballarat as they searched for a second straight win.
There was not much between the sides at each of the breaks with the Bloods leading by one at quarter time and half time and North Ballarat in front by two goals at the last break.
North Ballarat was able to do just enough to win, 55-54.
Malia Seumanutafa scored 23 goals for the Bloods, who were missing a couple of players.
Elsewhere, Darley drew with Lake Wendouree, 35-35.
Olivia Cawthray shot 25 goals for the Devils.
Bacchus Marsh had a bye.
