Sport
Nathalia turns to experienced heads of Kara Blizzard and Tracey Brereton to coach in 2024
Two former Goulburn Valley League foes have united to steer Nathalia in 2024.
Shepparton United 300-gamer Kara Blizzard and legendary ex-Shepparton coach Tracey Brereton have teamed up to coach the Purples, tossing any former rivalries to the wind for a shot at Murray Netball League supremacy.
Brereton, who recently announced her departure from the Bears to lead Bendigo Strikers’ inaugural season in the Victorian Netball League, will split the load with the Demons legend.
Blizzard returns to playing duties after a year off, co-coaching next to a figure she admires in the GVL space.
“With Tracey I’ve always looked across the court at her and admired her as a coach, so it’ll be really nice to play under someone like her as well,” Blizzard said.
“I think we’ll complement each other, Trace and I.
“Obviously with her experience, (she has) a lot more than even myself, so for me it’s learning new things off someone like Tracey and hopefully it sets me up in the future if I do want to pursue a bit more into the coaching scene once I’m done playing.”
While Brereton is familiar with Nathalia, coaching the A-grade side to a premiership in 2007, Blizzard is fresh to Purples culture.
She’s only played for one club her entire life.
The ageless midcourter claimed two flags during her two-decade-plus tenure at Shepparton United and coached the A-grade outfit to a grand final in 2022.
It wasn't coaching she had initial eyes on at Nathalia, though.
“I’ll be honest, I was pretty keen just to hit the court only and enjoy probably not having a title of being a coach, but with Trace coming on board ― which is absolutely amazing ― I was all for playing under Tracey,” Blizzard said.
“It’s just worked out with her extra amazing commitments and achievements that she’s got ahead of her that she would probably need a back-up in support.
“(She) twisted my arm, I’ll fill in the gaps when she’s not able to and hopefully give to the team.”
Blizzard’s on-court know-how and ability will be as necessary as her expertise off it.
Nathalia fell short of finals, landing ninth at the conclusion of the 2023 season, and a dash of experience within the playing ranks will provide much-needed gas in the tank for the race to make the six in 2024.
Blizzard won’t be the only GVL 300-gamer to suit up in purple, either.
The stars have uncrossed for Shepparton defender Ash Cann, who also happens to be Blizzard’s cousin, sign on for Nathalia as well.
“I’ve always wanted to play with my cousin Ash Cann, being at two different GVL clubs, but now an opportunity has come that we can play alongside each other,” Blizzard said.
“I’m really looking forward to getting to know the girls ... the team’s already got potential to go all the way and make finals in general, but hopefully we can fine-tune a few things and get them over the line.
“I think the aim will be to make finals, but also give back. I think for us it’s giving back to a little town community and all the knowledge we’ve been lucky to learn throughout the GV.”