WELLINGTON - If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
The Northern Force netball franchise seems to have taken this on board with the recruitment of the first Australian to coach in the Coca-Cola Cup competition.
The Force, with new sponsor Freedom and a revamped board, on Saturday confirmed that Sydney-based Maria Lynch would coach the team in next year's competition. It is thought to be the first time an Australian has coached a leading Kiwi team.
Lynch, who will also coach the New South Wales state team in Australia's national competition next year, confirmed that players from across the Tasman would also be options.
"We'll be talking about that, but I know a few Australian girls played here last year and that was a great opportunity for them. I'm sure it's an option our directors will take," Lynch said.
Lynch, who has 20 years of coaching experience, is looking forward to the challenge of merging the distinctive Australian style she knows so well and the Kiwi approach to the game.
"We have very different styles of play and maybe I'll introduce some Australian things into the game here. But the Kiwi style is terrific and makes the game a real spectacle. Sometimes in Australia I worry that some of our younger players are becoming robots."
Lynch is looking forward to the challenge of taking a side who have plenty of talent - including Silver Ferns Linda Vagana, Lorna Suafoa and Sonya Hardcastle - and putting her mark on the Kiwi game.
The Force, determined to be contenders in 2000, are banking on her making an impression.
Netball North Harbour president Eleanor Simmons said: "We want to create a bit of excitement and I think having someone who's new on the block should do that."
- NZPA
Netball: Aussie to coach NZ netball side
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