Brereton stays on with Strikers

TRACEY Brereton will stay on as coach of the Bendigo Strikers championship team for next season’s Victorian Netball League action. 

Brereton’s re-appointment was announced this morning by the club. 

The Strikers capped a successful debut season in the VNL by winning nine matches on the way to sixth place in the championship race. 

The club is rapt Brereton has re-committed. 

“Tracey has been amazing for us,” said Bendigo Strikers president Melinda Keighran. 

“Her knowledge, passion and connection she has built with the playing group in our first season has been phenomental. 

 “We are very happy with the team that came together, the number of close games and confidence Tracey instilled in her players,” said Keighran. 

Several of the Strikers younger players excelled in step up to a higher level of play. 

There’s few changes at the top as Brereton will continue to team with Carol Cathcart in her role as Director of Coaching. 

As Brereton and Cathcart stay on, Strikers will be searching for a new coach for the 23-and-under team. 

After a season in which he combined coaching and also playing, Jayden Cowling’s focus will now turn to his own netball playing pathway. 

Cowling said the requirements of playing and training at a high-level clashed with a large portion of the Bendigo Strikers season which made it difficult to balance. 

“Jayden is an elite athlete who this year competed at the national men’s and mixed national championships in Brisbane,” said Keighran. 

He played a key role as Victoria won the men’s open title against New South Wales. 

Cowling’s skill put him in the running for a place in the men’s national open team. 

He was invited to a Kelpies selection camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. 

“Jayden has previously represented Australia in 17s, 20s and 23s tournaments,” said Keighran. 

“The opportunities now available on the men’s pathway continue to grow in professionalism and representative matches.” 

Keighran said the Strikers were incredibly keen to have Cowling be part of the club;s program as his schedule allows. 

Bendigo Strikers are now accepting expressions of interest for coach and assistant coach of the 23-and-under team, and development coach. 

Details about the coaching positions and how to apply are on the Bendigo Strikers social media platforms and website.