It is with great excitement that we formally announce the 2023 Netball Coaches! ???

A and B Grade – Head Coach Christina Puopolo and Assistant Coaches Tom Hardwick/Steph Ferguson ?
Christina Puopolo ?
We have had the pleasure of having Christina as a coach since 2019 however we love to highlight her achievements and huge contributions to netball over 20+ years.
Christina was former Assistant Coach of the Melbourne Phoenix (now Vixens), former Head Coach of the Victorian Under 17 and 19 teams along with a rich history as the Head Coach of state league teams such as Vic Churches, Ariels and the Yarra Valley Grammar Ariels as well as being instrumental in the Ariels gaining a VNL Licence.

Christina also started coaching with VMMNA 2 decades ago and her resume is simply outstanding:
Open Men’s Coach: 2010-2022
5 Championship Titles: 2010-2013, 2016
Masters Coach: 2003 & 2005
Australian Men’s Open Coach: 2012, 2016 & 2018

Tom Hardwick ?
Whilst Tom is new to Monbulk in a formal role, he was actually providing support to our netball squad in 2022 at trainings. Tom has a very impressive resume and Monbulk feel very privileged to have his involvement.

Tom was first selected to represent Victoria in 2020 for U23 reserves, however didn’t have the opportunity to attend National championships due to COVID-19 cancellations.
Tom was then selected for the Victorian U23 team in 2021, competing at Nationals in 2022, and then being selected as a training partner for the U23 Australian team.
Tom has since been recognised as one of the best 12 players in Victoria, being selected in the Victorian open team for 2022/2023, and will be competing this year in Perth for the upcoming National Championships.
Most recently, Tom has also become a member of the Ariel’s VNL team as a training partner.

Steph Ferguson ?
The A and B grade teams will also continue to be supported by Steph Ferguson until she welcomes her second child in the middle of the season ??

C Grade Coach – Fiona Carmichael ?
Fiona joins us for the first time this year at MFNC as C grade coach, bringing over 6 years of senior coaching experience in the SEFNL\Outer East competition, competing in many finals series.
Fiona has built her knowledge with numerous coaching roles within junior clubs and representative netball, as well as previously playing herself for many years. Fiona’s daughter Chloe was also planning to play at MFNC this year however devastatingly ruptured her achilles during a pre-season tournament. We can’t wait to have Chloe supporting the teams and being back on court following her recovery ??
Fiona looks forward to providing a fun filled yet competitive season with lots of laughs along the way!

D Grade Coach – Rachael Jennings ?
Rachael returns to MFNC as our 2023 D grade netball coach. Rachael has retired from playing netball after playing in 69 senior games with MFNC. She then moved into coaching at the Monbulk Netball Club where Rachael has coached various age groups from under 11 to under 17’s for the past seven years. Rachael is looking forward to developing the D grade team with a blend of youth and more experienced players.

We would like to also use this opportunity to extend our thank you to Jim O’Dowd for this coaching and overall support in 2022.