WESTERNS is welcoming a familiar face into their A grade netball coaching role for 2023 with Lisa Carr back at the club to lead the charge.

Carr has an impressive netball resume at the local South West District Football Netball League club, coaching the Westerns A grade team to three premierships in a row in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

After moving to Mackay in 2014 and spending some time leading a premier league side there, Carr and her family returned to Portland in 2021.

Taking the reins from her sister, Vicki Clayton who is now in the role of club president, Carr says she took her time to come to a decision but is ready to get stuck into the role.

“I ummed and ahhed for a long time and was probably really annoying for Vicki, I was in and out and a bit indecisive but there was a point where it felt like everything was coming together so I said let’s do it,” Carr said.

“It’s really exciting what the committee is doing and where things are heading so I am super excited.”

Carr is also a long-time friend of recent football coach signing, Winis Imbi, which she says was the final draw card to help lock her in.

“When Vicki said Winis was on board that’s when it became a no-brainer. I’ve known him for a really long time and he is a really valued person to me so it will be really nice to finally be at the same club,” Carr said.

It was an up and down season for Westerns A grade side this year. They remained in the top five all season but went out in the elimination final against Cavendish.

While their A grade side finished fourth, the rest of the club’s senior netball teams including A reserve, B grade and C grade won their grand finals which Carr says puts the netball ranks in a good position moving forward.

“I wasn’t planning on jumping back into club land too quickly but mid-way through this year A reserve and B grade asked for a little assistance, so I got on board with that and it made me realise that I still have a bit to give,” she said.

“We definitely want to retain as many players as possible from this year, naturally there are a few girls moving away and what not.

“A reserve, B and C all won their premierships, so the talent is there it’s just about fine tuning it a little bit.”

The club has also locked in a number of other coaches with Lee-Anne Nelson taking on the A reserve role while Tammy Jones and Tiana Richardson will continue as B grade coaches.

In the junior ranks, Brooke Morrissey will take on the 15-and-under team, Natalie Moore will head the 13-and-under side and Kylie Fairweather is coaching the 11-and-unders.