Tongala’s Dylan Nexhip breaks the mould with elite level netball coaching accreditation

It’s been a long road, stretching all the way back to 2013 when he first took the A-grade reins at Tongala.

Nexhip led the Blues to two Murray Netball League grand finals before moving across to the Goulburn Valley League to coach Benalla and Shepparton Swans.

Now an assistant coach of Super Netball side NSW Swifts, Nexhip boasts a licence that only Australia’s best coaching minds in the sport lay claim to.

“It’s important to continue developing yourself as a coach and I am always looking for ways to grow,” he said.

Nexhip began the process of earning the accreditation late last year, which equates to the fifth level in the national coaching pathway, and earned his stripes recently via an assessment during a pre-season match between the Swifts against the Thunderbirds.

The Tongala product specialises in defensive strategies, bringing his refreshed approach to the Swifts since joining the club’s coaching staff in October 2024.

He officially began his role in December, where he immediately established a strong working relationship with head coach Briony Akle.

“Briony and I have an energetic and authentic relationship, and we really complement each other,” Nexhip said.

“We bounce ideas off each other and work hard to evolve those ideas. She’s empowered me to bring a fresh perspective and provided me with the autonomy and platform to challenge our athletes.

“We’re reimagining some of the defensive work.

“That’s my specialist area, and it comes naturally to me, through my experience as a player. We have focused on some quick wins to start the season, while also developing a longer-term game plan that we want to see unfold throughout the year.”

Nexhip’s galvanising of the Swifts’ defence has been an instant hit.

The side sits 2-0 after the opening fortnight of Super Netball action, but in Nexhip’s eyes, his role in helping the Swifts improve extends past four quarters on a court.

“Building relationships with the players off the court has been critical for me,” he said.

“I want to understand them as people, not just athletes.

“This mutual respect helps create a harmonious environment, where success can be achieved both on and off the court.”

Nexhip, an internationally capped Australian Kelpies defender, is currently playing for NSW at the 2025 Australian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association Championships, which runs until Saturday.