New Doveton Netball Club president Debbie Henwood with senior netball coach Bob Dodd.By Brad Kingsbury
DOVETON is getting serious about netball in 2007 with the appointment of vastly experienced coach Bob Dodd, who has started an immediate search for A-grade recruits.
Incoming netball club president Debbie Henwood welcomed Dodd to the fold on the weekend.
She said after several seasons battling against powerhouse sides such as Pakenham and Beaconsfield, the time had come for the Doves to stand up, and Dodd was the perfect person to lead the charge up the ladder.
Dodd, 60, has spent 35 years coaching sport including football, cricket and netball at clubs across the district, with the past 27 seasons being dedicated to netball at clubs including Tooradin, Nar Nar Goon, Bunyip, Garfield, Cranbourne and now Doveton.
At least one side under his guidance has played finals every year except one since 1994, and Dodd is aiming to continue that attitude of success at Doveton in 2007.
“I was thinking about retirement but Debbie’s enthusiasm and keenness to see Doveton succeed was an inspiration,” he said.
“I was so impressed with their presentation and passion.
“This is a club that is only five years old playing against seasoned and experienced rivals, so the challenge is big but also very exciting.”
Dodd, a Cora Lynn resident, has set his sights on lifting the Doves up the netball ladder, and his first task is to oversee recruiting of an A-grade team for next season.
“I want people to understand that the club is open to everybody,” he said.
“The football club has a culture of success and we’re aiming to build that into the netball side.
“Those who get in on the ground floor will reap the rewards.”
Doveton will hold a meet the coach day on Sunday, 7 January at 1pm and the first training session will be held at the Doveton netball courts, Robinson Reserve, on Sunday, 4 February at 10am.
For further information contact Debbie Henwood on 0438 345 466.
