GIANTS specialist coach Nerida Stewart has today re-committed to lead the men’s national side.
Stewart will remain at the helm of the Kelpies for a further four years, continuing to lead the Australian men’s side in the new era of today’s game.
The GIANTS newly-appointed specialist coach had masterminded the Kelpies trophy hauls in recent years, building an all-conquering national team that is currently the global benchmark.
With two back-to-back Trans-Tasman Cup wins, Stewart was keenly pursued by AMMNA to continue to lead the charge, as she also becomes a fixture in the GIANTS’ coaching fraternity.
The Central Coast mother of five and former NSWIS coach has a diverse coaching schedule for season 2024, a dual role she states brings her “more weapons” as a coach in supporting players to grow their game.
“I’m really fortunate the seasons for SSN and Kelpies don’t collide, so both programs get my full focus,” Stewart said.
“I’m a netball nerd so a full year calendar is perfect for me, and the switching between the categories really does give me new ideas to implement on both sides of the game.”
In a role reversal, Stewart will be joined in the men’s program by GIANTS head coach Julie Fitzgerald, with the netball legend joining the Kelpies setup as an assistant coach.
Known as one of the most decorated coaches the game has, Fitzgerald steps into the men’s environment for the first time, after 26 seasons - and counting - in the National League, as well as a stint at the Australian Institute Sport.
“I’m really excited by this opportunity, Fitzgerald said.
“To support Ned and the boys is a really exciting venture and something I am certainly looking forward to.
“We had Taylor [Glassie] in our program for a few years as a training partner and we often get the New South Wales based boys in for match-play but I’m looking forward to working in and contributing to that environment in a more of a permanent role.
“The men’s game across all aspects of the game is certainly growing and I look forward to being able to contribute to that rise.”
