Refreshed Hobbs hoping Hawks can soar in 2025

EAGLEHAWK coach Jannelle Hobbs believes her twelve months spent away from netball in 2024 have proved a blessing in disguise.

The two-time BFNL A-grade premiership coach with Kangaroo Flat has returned to coaching fully rejuvenated after a much-needed break and ready to tackle her new challenge with the Hawks.

She estimated last year’s season away from netball was her first real break from the game in about 18 years, dating back to the birth of daughter Sienna, who only last week signed with Essendon’s VFLW side.

Hobbs, who last coached South Bendigo between 2018 and 2023, said her year away from netball had left her refreshed and eager to get the season started.

“I have loved getting back into the netball,” she said. “I love the fresh atmosphere at Eaglehawk; they are a really good bunch of girls.

“I’m really energised – I think it did me the world of good last year.

“Obviously I still have my own strategies and stuff that I am teaching the girls. It’s been very enjoyable.”

Hobbs takes over a Hawks side that finished the 2024 season in fourth spot, eliminated in the first semi-final by grand finalists Kangaroo Flat.

The line-up has been bolstered by the signings of 2022 and ’24 Elmore premiership defender and co-coach Allira Holmes (a former Eaglehawk A-grade coach), Bendigo Strikers 23-and-under goal shooter Chloe Langley, former South Bendigo young gun Eden Clifford and speedy midcourter Briella Gibbs.

Notable departures include Elley Lawton (playing coach of White Hills), Amy Ryan, who led all Hawks players last season with 13 Betty Thompson Medal votes, but will be travelling overseas this season, Gabe Marlow (retired) and Tiarni Baxter (White Hills).

After a long and arduous pre-season, Hobbs is eager to get cracking at the real stuff against Golden Square on Saturday.

“(Pre-season) does get a bit much after a while, so we are keen to get going,” she said.

“Golden Square will be a good match-up for us – we both have similar aims of making that top five and appear pretty even.

“They’ve picked up a few players and definitely won’t be easy to overcome.”

Hobbs believed the additions of the experienced Holmes and Langley, who won three best and fairest under Hobbs’ coaching at South Bendigo, would bolster the Hawks at both ends of the court.

“I’m definitely aiming for fourth, but then you look every team, and they are strong,” she said.

“There won’t be any easy games at all this year, which is great for the league.

“Top five would be everyone’s aim, but I think we have the team to get there.” More sport from page 29.