While Paige Moloney admits her first senior netball coaching opportunity was somewhat daunting, she believes she's better for the experience.
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The Billabong Crows' captain stepped in to fill the shoes of coach Millie Ferguson, who was unable to attend the game against Osborne on the weekend due to Victoria's lockdown.
It's an experience the back-to-back premiership player won't forget after taking the reins against this season's undefeated ladder leaders.
"It was a pretty tough game to get thrown into, but I had the full support of Millie and the team," Moloney said.
"It was a good experience and learning curve coming up against a very well gelled Osborne side.
"We didn't get the result we wanted, but to Osborne's credit they came out firing.
"They're a very good side that can probably take it all the way."
While it was her first time at the helm of A-grade, Moloney has held other junior coaching positions at the club and is the current under-17s coach.
"They had a really good start to the day," Moloney said.
"I was one from one before the A-grade."
Despite not being able to be there in person, Ferguson dropped in to see her team via video call, when service allowed.
"She was there in spirit," Moloney said.
It was a different atmosphere in Osborne after the Crows decided to pull the pin on their football matches due to a lack of available players under COVID restrictions.
"It was very strange heading to the football and netball without footy," Moloney said.
"I've never experienced that before, but we were lucky that some of the footy players that weren't impacted by the lockdown came and supported us."
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Jindera's A and B grade sides spent another week off the court after Henty was unable to field sides to play their scheduled matches on the weekend.
The Bulldogs will play a practice match against Albury Tigers this week to help them return.
"It's disappointing to not get a game in, but we understand the COVID situation and that clubs are trying their best to field sides," Jindera coach Tegan Vogel said.
"We're looking forward to getting back on the court and building some momentum.
"We're coming up against some sides looking for an upset to break into the six, and undefeated Osborne, so I'm sure there will be some good contests over the next few weeks."
While the Bulldogs haven't been impacted by the Victorian lockdown, they've been resting goaler Sharla Sutcliffe.
"Shell rejoin us on the court very soon," Vogel said.
Jindera currently holds second spot on percentage, with Lockhart close behind.
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