Netball: New job suggests Plummer on way out

Norma Plummer. Photo / Getty Images

It is looking increasingly likely that Norma Plummer won't be in charge of Australia's national side beyond next month's world championships following the announcement that she is to take over the West Coast Fever next season.

Plummer's future has been in doubt since Netball Australia said it would be advertising the top job after the Singapore championships.

Yesterday's confirmation that Plummer will be in charge of the Perth-based ANZ Championship franchise for the next two seasons - a rumour that had been doing the rounds for some weeks - suggests she won't be re-applying for the Australian position.

But an ambiguous media release from Netball Australia did little to clarify matters.

The national body reassured fans that Plummer and the team remained focused on winning consecutive world titles following her appointment at the Fever.

"It was important that any conjecture on her future was put to rest so that we can get on with the job of defending the World Netball Championships," said Netball Australia chief executive Kate Palmer.

"This appointment will not prevent Plummer from throwing her hat in the ring for the national role," she went on, adding to the conjecture.

But if Plummer is committing to a job in Perth, it will make it difficult for her to combine the twin roles.

Netball Australia will appoint a national team coach in August.

But already there is plenty of talk across the Tasman about possible frontrunners.

The two names that keep coming up are Adelaide Thunderbirds assistant coach Lisa Alexander and England coach Sue Hawkins, who is keen to return to Australia.