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
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 NCAS Intermediate Accreditation whilst working towards her Advanced Accreditation, in 2018 Mel will again consume the role of Under 19s Coach. 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 and the NV State Team Program; U/19 Apprentice Coach in 2016 (National Champions), U/17 Assistant Coach in 2017 (Runner’s Up) and U/19 Assistant Coach for 2018. Mel’s energy and enthusiasm allows her to take on any role required and execute that role at a high standard. She has the ability to adapt to different coaching/ personal styles and has the flexibility to create strong working relationships with players, coaches and officials; her care and consideration for player wellbeing and support to enable development on and off court makes Mel an invaluable member of the Cougars coaching panel.
Melanie Savage
Division One Coach
Bec is an enthusiastic and skilful coach who has been with the Geelong Netball Club since 2009, where she was head coach for our Division One side. Both an experienced coach and player, Bec retired from playing in 2006 from VNL Championship after 8 seasons and a Championship premiership win in 2001. Bec has also been lucky enough to be a part of the VIS, holding a part-time athlete scholarship in 2002. She had her first taste of championship coaching as an assistant at City West Falcons in 2007 before taking on the role of head coach for Geelong Cougars in 2009. Other coaching she has been include Western Zone Academy, the U/17 State Team program and as a State Team Selector. With an already vast array of experience and knowledge within the netball field, Bec is also currently completing an Elite Coaching Course, with the aims of one day completing her High Performance Coaching Accreditation. Bec specialises in defensive structures and we are excited about utilising Bec in supporting both our coaches and players in order to have a strong defence this season!
Damian Stephenson
U19s Coach
We are excited to advise that our Cougar’s S&C coach Dr Scott Graham will be continuing with us for a fourth season in 2020 to plan and implement our pre-season and inseason S&C program. We are keen to work with Scott on providing age-appropriate strength work to lessen the likelihood of injury through over use and to educate these young athletes on the importance of looking after their bodies Our program will benefit from the scientific approach Scott is able to bring to workload management and injury prevention in young bodies. We are looking forward to seeing the results of a targeted and planned pre-season and how that relates back to less injuries over the coming year.
Scott Graham
S&C Coach
We are excited to advise that our Cougar’s S&C coach Dr Scott Graham will be continuing with us for a fourth season in 2020 to plan and implement our pre-season and inseason S&C program. We are keen to work with Scott on providing age-appropriate strength work to lessen the likelihood of injury through over use and to educate these young athletes on the importance of looking after their bodies Our program will benefit from the scientific approach Scott is able to bring to workload management and injury prevention in young bodies. We are looking forward to seeing the results of a targeted and planned pre-season and how that relates back to less injuries over the coming year.
Tracy Dunstan
Scholarship Coach
Bridey McElligott
Assistant S&C Coach
Emily Lacey
Deakin Student – S&C
Olivia is a fearless leader with over five years’ experience within a coaching role; last year being her first year taking the role of Division One coach and leading the ream to a premiership! She also currently holds an NCAS Intermediate Accreditation. Olivia is also involved with Barwon Head FNC who complete in the BFL, being selected as their head coach in 2016, 2017 and 2018. As well as leading Barwon Heads FNC, in 2013 Olivia was selected as Drysdale’s FNC A Grade head coach where her coaching career first started. Alongside having vast experience within coaching, Olivia has a huge playing background. Playing A Grade since she was fourteen in both the BFL and GFL – as well as being selected for multiple state programs and teams, mixed state teams and playing at VU as well as being a player herself for the Cougars. With having years of experience within both coaching and playing roles, we are positive that Olivia will be able to assist in our players’ development, skills and tactics – leading us to success!
Kiera McHugh
Deakin Student – S&C