The Maryborough Football Netball Club is excited to announce its netball coaching team for the 2027 season, as the Borough prepares for its highly anticipated return to the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League (MCDFNL).
Following the recent appointment of Annalyse Carroll as A and B Grade Coach, the Club is thrilled to welcome a passionate and experienced group of coaches who will help shape the future of netball at Maryborough.
The appointments represent another significant step in the Club’s rebuild, bringing together familiar faces, former players and dedicated community members who share a commitment to developing young talent and creating a welcoming, family-oriented club.
Introducing our 2027 netball coaches:
C Grade – Christie Critchley
Christie Critchley returns to Maryborough with extensive playing and coaching experience across the Central Highlands Football League, MCDFNL and Bendigo Football Netball League.
Christie coached Avoca’s C Grade side from 2015 to 2019 and B Grade from 2018 to 2019, guiding the B Grade team to a premiership in 2019. She also coached Maryborough’s B Grade and B Reserves in 2021.
Her playing career includes A Grade appearances for Illabarook, Carngham-Linton and Avoca, where she was a premiership player in 2019. She later represented Maryborough in B Grade from 2021 to 2023 before joining the Maryborough Giants, where she played and captained A Grade in 2024 and 2025.
For Christie, returning to Maryborough is about much more than netball.
“The Maryborough FNC has been an important part of our community for over 150 years, and I can’t wait to be a part of this significant new chapter in the club’s history.
“Knowing that I can play a role in the club’s future, and help create an environment where my children and students can play, is really important to me.
“Annalyse and I are looking forward to working together to create an inclusive, family-oriented environment where we can proudly represent our town, support our community and, most importantly, have a bit of fun along the way.”
18 & Under – Leah Ward and Ruby Adams
The Club is delighted to welcome Leah Ward back to the coaching ranks alongside Ruby Adams, combining extensive coaching experience with a strong connection to Maryborough netball.
Leah coached in the MCDFNL from 2009 to 2015, leading teams to multiple premierships and Grand Final appearances. In 2016, she coached Maryborough’s Under 17 side in the Bendigo League.
Leah and her husband have also been dedicated volunteers at the Club throughout the past six years while their sons have played in the Bendigo Junior Football League.
“After a few years away, I’m thrilled to be back coaching netball at the Maryborough Football Netball Club,” Leah said.
“It feels pretty special to now be back on the sidelines, coaching again at a club that truly feels like family. I’m excited for the new challenge, the friendships, the competition and, hopefully, plenty more memories and success along the way.”
Ruby brings five years of coaching experience at the Maryborough Netball Association, including coaching Maryborough United and representative teams.
Her experience spans NetSetGO, Under 11s, Under 13s, Under 16s and women’s netball.
“I’m really looking forward to coaching alongside Leah, who will bring a wealth of experience, as well as being back at the club I love,” Ruby said.
15 & Under – Emmerson Wood and Molly Palmer
Emmerson Wood and Molly Palmer will join forces to guide the Club’s Under 15 side in 2027.
Emmerson brings a strong playing background and a passion for developing young netballers. She previously coached Maryborough Rovers’ Under 13 side in 2021 and played for the Rovers from 2017 to 2023.
She was selected in the Western Victorian Academy team in 2022 and more recently played with the Maryborough Giants in 2024 and 2025.
“I am a caring, committed and enthusiastic coach who is passionate about helping players grow, creating a positive team environment and building a strong future for the club,” Emmerson said.
“I’m really excited to join Molly and the team, and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together in 2027!”
Molly brings a wealth of coaching experience across NetSetGO, junior and open-age netball, as well as junior representative teams.
“I’m so excited to bring my experience and passion for netball to the Under 15 coaching position alongside Emmerson in 2027,” Molly said.
“This is an amazing opportunity for our Club to have all our junior and senior players together on the same day, and I look forward to being part of the family-friendly atmosphere at MFNC!”
13 & Under – Ellie Leishman and Charlotte Fithall
Ellie Leishman and Charlotte Fithall will lead the Under 13 side, bringing enthusiasm, previous coaching experience and a shared passion for junior development.
Ellie is looking forward to returning to coaching after enjoying her first experience at the Maryborough Netball Association several years ago.
“I’m very passionate about supporting and encouraging our youth through sport,” Ellie said.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to help create a positive, supportive and enjoyable environment for the girls alongside Charlotte.”
Charlotte has also previously coached at the Maryborough Netball Association and is eager to continue supporting the development of local netballers.
“I’ve previously coached for Maryborough at the association and loved watching the girls grow as players,” Charlotte said.
“I’m excited to continue my coaching at Maryborough with Ellie and bring my experience and positive energy to the club.
“I’m very excited that Maryborough is back and keen to welcome and meet all the players.”
11 & Under – Shayla Bandy and Danika Anderson
Shayla Bandy and Danika Anderson will take charge of the Club’s youngest competition netballers, helping introduce the next generation to the game.
Shayla has spent the past two seasons coaching the Under 11 MFNC Magpies at the Maryborough Netball Association on Tuesday nights.
A long-time Maryborough member and player, she is passionate about providing young netballers with the foundations they need to develop their skills and confidence.
“It’s been such a rewarding experience being able to help guide and develop our young netballers,” Shayla said.
“Having been an MFNC member and player for many years, I’m looking forward to helping these young netballers in their netball journey.
“I endeavour to provide the skills, knowledge and fun that encompasses netball.”
Danika is equally passionate about supporting young players and is looking forward to giving back to the Club while developing her own coaching and leadership skills.
“I love netball and I’m really excited to help our younger players learn, improve their skills and, most importantly, have fun,” Danika said.
“I want to create a positive, supportive environment where the girls feel confident, included and excited to play. I’m looking forward to giving back to the Club and being part of the Under 11s coaching team in 2027!”
The Club congratulates all its appointed coaches and looks forward to working together to build a strong and sustainable future for netball in Maryborough.