Sport
23 November, 2023
Talbot showcases ambition to climb MCDFNL A grade ladder with Eleisha Phelps arrival
Could the signing of Eleisha Phelps as new A grade coach turn around the fortunes of Talbot? The B.A Road Services Hawks unveiled Phelps as their new coach for 2024 this week, and she brings across an incredible resume with her to help turn around...
Could the signing of Eleisha Phelps as new A grade coach turn around the fortunes of Talbot?
The B.A Road Services Hawks unveiled Phelps as their new coach for 2024 this week, and she brings across an incredible resume with her to help turn around the club, which has only experienced two wins since the end of 2019 — both coming in 2023.
Phelps has had an accomplished playing career in the Central Highlands Football Netball League, playing over 100 games at both Ballan and Learmonth, while also previously winning an A grade league best and fairest in 2017, as well as runner-up in 2019.
Her status as a leader is unquestioned, winning an A grade premiership as captain with Learmonth in 2018, before winning this year’s premiership, as well as representing the Central Highlands interleague team six times, including as captain.
Now, Phelps makes the move to the Hawks, and is prepared for the challenge.
“It’s very exciting to be able to make the move to Talbot. They are great people out there and they seem like they have a great community, with great support,” she said.
“I know a few people who were previously at Ballan and a few family members have played there in the past.
“It seems like it was a good fit, and now I’m ready to take on the challenge and move up a bit. They have the potential to get better.”
Having won two games this season, coming against Campbells Creek and Newstead respectively, Phelps sees the potential of the Hawks and their spirit as a positive.
“It would be super tough to have not experienced as much success, so to win two games would be exciting,” she said. “My goals for next year are for them to work hard, but also enjoy winning more, and also be a lot more competitive.”
A familiar face will be joining her in her journey as an assistant coach, with last year’s mentor, Jacqui Wardlaw, staying on at the club.
Phelps believes her experience could come in handy as she acclimatises to the club.
“Jacqui will be very helpful next year being by my side, not just because she is a local, but she is also a very good club person,” she said.
“She’s a great netballer and I will learn a lot from her as well.
“I hope to bring something fresh and new to the club and help Jacqui too for other coaching roles she might want to do in the future.”
According to Phelps, it was the right time to take up a new challenge after double premiership joy at Learmonth.
“I’m excited to start a new challenge for myself,” she said.
“As much as I really enjoyed my time at Learmonth, I felt I had done everything that I could possibly do there, not just in netball, but helping them in coaching and the club stuff that has to be done.
“When I spoke to their president, I said it was something new and a challenge for myself. I like to have a challenge, I’m looking forward to it.
“Being able to see what else is out there in a different league, after being in the Central Highlands Football Netball League for 15 or so years, there’s a lot of talent in the Maryborough league, and it’s something different. I want to help the players that I have and see if they can go further, while enjoying it as well.”