FORMER Lake Wendouree coach Courtney McLean has wasted no time in moving on to her next netball challenge, signing as coach of Central Highlands league club Skipton.<\/p>\n
McLean joins the Emus after a long-time involvement as a player and coach with the Lakers in a career spanning more than 350 games as a player.<\/p>\n
A coach for the last nine years, she has led the Lakers to C and D-grade and under-11 premierships.<\/p>\n
As coach of the A-grade team from 2021-2025, she led the Lakers to four straight qualifying final appearances.<\/p>\n
After defeating third-placed Redan in week one of finals, Lake Wendouree was eliminated from premiership contention by eventual flag winners Darley.<\/p>\n
In recent years, McLean has continued to hone her coaching craft as an assistant at Victorian Netball League club Western Warriors under head-coach Kim Bailey, also coach of BFNL club Sunbury.<\/p>\n
Testament to her standing in Victorian netball circles, she was appointed as apprentice coach of the Victorian 17-and-under team in July this year.<\/p>\n
In a statement on its social media accounts, the club said it was delighted to announce McLean as its new A-grade coach.<\/p>\n
“Courtney brings a wealth of coaching experience and a proven track record of success at both community and representative levels,” the statement said.<\/p>\n
“Most recently, she has been selected as the 2025\/2026 apprentice coach of the state under-17 team, continuing her rise through the state coaching ranks.<\/p>\n
“At Western Warriors, Courtney has made a significant impact, serving as championship assistant coach in 2025 and championship apprentice coach in 2024.<\/p>\n
“Her leadership and expertise were also recognised in 2023 when she was awarded BFNL coach of the year.<\/p>\n
“She has guided interleague squads at both under-13 and under-15 level, helping develop the next generation of netball talent.<\/p>\n
“Courtney has an extensive club coaching history, having coached nine years at Lakers, including four seasons leading their A-grade side, qualifying for finals every year.<\/p>\n
“Her coaching success includes three premierships across C-grade, D-grade and under-11s.<\/p>\n
“As a player, Courtney’s legacy is equally outstanding.<\/p>\n
“She has played over 350 games for Lakers across A, B and C-grade, winning five premierships, two B-grade best and fairests, the B-grade League MVP, and the A-grade Trademark Award.<\/p>\n
“Her finishing prowess has also seen her top the league goal-scoring charts in both B and C-grade in 2024 and 2025.<\/p>\n
“Courtney’s passion, experience, and strong connection to the Ballarat region make her an incredible addition to our club.<\/p>\n
“We cannot wait to see the impact she will have on our netball squad in 2026 and beyond.<\/p>\n
“Welcome to the Emus, Courtney, Cole, Rory and Joey.”<\/p>\n
The Emus finished the 2025 season in 13th place with three wins.<\/p>\n
Daylesford was crowned premiers following an emphatic 68-39 win over Learmonth.<\/p>\n
Hepburn, Springbank, Buninyong, Rokewood, Ballan and Bungaree rounded out the finalists.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
FORMER Lake Wendouree coach Courtney McLean has wasted no time in moving on to her next netball challenge, signing as coach of Central Highlands league club Skipton. McLean joins the Emus after a long-time involvement as a player and coach with the Lakers in a career spanning more than 350 games as a player. A […]<\/p>\n