Millie Ferguson takes on A-grade coaching role with Billabong Crows

The reigning premiers have appointed Millie Ferguson to the helm of the A-grade side this season as they look to go for their third consecutive flag.

Ferguson has played in five senior premierships, three with Picola and District League side Tocumwal and two with home club Mulwala in the Murray League.

After being lured to the Crows from the Lions, Ferguson admitted she's on the hunt for number six, with majority of the Crows 2019 premiership team remaining at the club.

"The president, Anna Ferguson, had been onto me for a couple of years and I'd just been really busy with prior commitments," Ferguson said.

"She rang me up again this year and it sparked a bit of interest.

"I thought the time was right to head out there this season.

"I've played in a couple of grand finals that we didn't win, but overall I've been really fortunate."

The playing coach is also looking towards her return to the court after suffering an ACL injury with Mulwala during the back end of the 2019 season.

The physiotherapist said the year off had helped with her recovery.

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"I gave myself plenty of time because unfortunately I know the recurrent rates of ACLs," she said.

"I wasn't going to play last year anyway.

"I'll start off doing more coaching than playing and as the season lingers on I'll integrate myself more into the side depending on my knee."

Ferguson looks set to slip into the Crows midcourt line-up when she takes to the court.

The Crows' round one clash against Holbrook will mark Ferguson's first taste of Hume League netball.

"It's nice and exciting coming in and not knowing the players and the league itself," she said.

"What's really exciting is that we've got a really good bunch of juniors, especially in our under-17s.

"I'll be looking to rotate a lot of them through as well.

"The ultimate goal is to go for that third premiership for Crows."

Ferguson's appointment marks the fourth change of guard for the Crows' A-grade in the last four years.

The team claimed the 2018 Hume League flag under former coach Beck O'Connell, before Holly Dowling took the reins to see them victorious again.

The side was set to be led by former team manager Kristie Morley last year before the season was derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ferguson has also had representative experience with the Murray and Picola leagues.

She arrives at the Crows with partner Dylan Flanagan, who has also previously played for Mulwala and Tocumwal.

The Hume Football and Netball League will recommence on April 10.

The Crows will open the season at home.

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