Coaching Staff
Gerard Murphy is our devoted and knowledgeable Head Coach at Geelong Netball Club, coaching Championship since 2014 and overseeing the entire club. With a background of playing the sport himself, Gerard was selected as Captain for the Australian Under 23 Men’s team from 2003-2005, as well as being selected for the Victorian Under 23 Men’s team from 2003-2005, and was a member of the underage and open Victorian Men’s teams from 2003-2009. Gerard started his coaching career in 2008 where he was an Assistant Coach for the Hume City Falcons Championship Division – back to back Premiers in 2009 & 2010. Gerard moved on to being an Assistant Coach for the Victoria U19 State Team aiding them to a National Championship in 2012 and taking out Silver in 2011. His coaching philosophy is to create a positive, honest, respectful and authentic environment for players to feel welcome, engaged and challenged. He supports players in developing their skills and knowledge of netball and life to help them reach their full potential; his attitude towards all things netball, health and fitness align perfectly with our club values.
Gerard Murphy
Head Coach
Jade began her coaching career through Footy Netball Clubs and then ventured into VNL coaching with Peninsula Waves in Division 1. Jade then transitioned over to Wilson Storage Southern Saints for 3 years to take on the role of Head Coach. From here Jade moved into the Victoria State coaching program as Apprentice Coach and Assistant coach before accepting the Apprentice coaching role with Vic Fury in the ANC. Jade has also held the Head Coaching role with Ariels VNL Club.
When coaching, Jade focuses on empowering her athletes to bring their very best to everything they do and enjoys developing and supporting players to be thinking athletes who are creative and bring their own flair to the court.
Jade Heinrich
Championship Assistant Coach
Mel is a passionate and nurturing coach with nearly a decade of experience and has been with Geelong Netball Club in various roles since 2012. She currently holds an Advanced Coaching Accreditation and has started the process in gaining her Elite Coaching Accreditation.
Mel has an impressive record to date with our U19s – placing Runner’s Up in 2015 and achieving back-to-back Premierships in 2016 & 2017. Mel is also involved with Geelong Grammar’s School Netball Program, Netball Victoria Talent Identification and the NV State Team Program; U/19 Apprentice Coach in 2016 (National Champions), U/17 Assistant Coach in 2017 (Runner’s Up), U/19 Assistant Coach in 2019 and U/17 Head Coach in 2018 & 2020. Locally, Mel is Head Coach at Geelong Amateurs FNC including U11’s coach.
Melanie Savage
23/U Coach
Playing key moments:
- In 2018 I was the Vice Captain of the 23 &Under Australian Men’s Team that won 3-0 against New Zealand.
- Training partner with the Collingwood Magpies (2023)
- Australian Kelpies Squad member (2023)
If you had to name one person who had an influence on your netball career, who would it be?
Sarah Wall. As a Camperdown export, I followed Sarah’s career heavily. She taught me so much about work ethic and self belief.
What’s your favourite netball achievement – team and personal?
Team- 2018 Australian 23 & under, winning 3-0 and being Vice Captain. Personally- making the Kelpies squad in 2023.
Jake Noonan
23/U Assistant Coach
Tracy joined the GNC – Flyers program at the beginning of 2016 bringing with her a wealth of netball knowledge and experience as a player, coach and administrator.
Having been a representative player for both Barwon and Flyers it followed that she would turn to coaching. Her initial coaching appointments were A & B Grade positions at Modewarre and St. Mary’s achieving grand final berths several times at St. Mary’s.
It was in 2010 that Tracy discovered her passion in coaching and mentoring junior players. It is this passion that she brings to the Flyers program inspiring those around her to be committed and positive in approach.
In 2021 Tracy will also play a role working with Cougars Training Partners.
In addition to coordinating coach and player development and coaching we are excited to have Tracy working towards completing her Advanced Coaching accreditation in 2021.
Tracy Dunstan
Development Team Coach
Prue Laws
Development Team Coach
I’m a current 2nd year Physiotherapy student at Victoria University. I hold a Level 1 Sports Trainer accreditation and I’m aiming to work towards my Level 2 accreditation over the next few years. I also currently work at the Austin Hospital in patient services, so patient and athlete care is always at the forefront of my mind.
Within this role, I’m looking forward to being able to help the Cougars athletes achieve their goals via 100% physical fitness. Having a background in netball myself, I’m looking to bring my knowledge of the game into good use when helping athletes prepare for the physical demands of matches, and treating any injuries that occur in play.
Joshua Ferris
Primary Carer