Linda Robinson appointed as Lavington's new A-grade netball coach

Robinson started her playing career with the Panthers C-grade side in 1996 and went on to play in all grades, reaching around 140 club games.

The skilled goal shooter spent three years with Hume League side Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock, where she helped the Saints to an A-grade flag in 2015.

She also gained coaching experience during that time and spent this season assisting outgoing coach Catherine Wood with the Panthers attacking end.

Robinson said she's excited to step into the role.

"It's nice to be back where I started," she said.

"It's such an honour to be coaching at a club like Lavington and to be working with the quality players we have.

"They're all so committed, dedicated and skilled.

"We hope to build on some of the stuff we started this season."

Wood finishes a two-year stint at the helm after taking over from former coach Tamara Mathews.

However, this was her first official season after the league scrapped the 2020 competition due to the Covid pandemic.

Lavington finished the shortened home and away season in fourth spot with eight wins from 13 games.

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Club president Mark Sanson thanked Wood for her contributions.

"She helped us transition some of our young talent through to A-grade and coached the club through what was a really difficult period," Sanson said.

"We're really thankful for what Cath was able to do and what she added to the club."

Wood said while she was disappointed to not remain in the role, she enjoyed her time as coach.

"I thought we were quite successful given what people thought we may be and the players we lost," she said.

Alongside Robinson, Millie Medcraft has been appointed as the Panthers' B-grade coach, while Emma Merkel will lead C-grade.

Steph Clancy and recently crowned Toni Wilson Medallist Maddi Lloyd will co-coach the club's under-17s.

"That was a fantastic result for Maddi," Sanson said.

"We've got a young developing list within our netball club and we think Maddi and Steph, who are both great players, will do an amazing job with them.

"We're looking forward to continuing to transition some of our young talent through the grades, like we have done with Grace Hay and Olivia Sanson."

Both Hay and Sanson were nominated for the Ovens and Murray's Rising Star award this year after their breakout seasons in the senior side.

The recipient of the B-grade best and fairest was also a Panther, with Tayla Furborough claiming the prize.

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