Reigning Warren Medallist Holly Butler has been appointed A-grade coach of Girgarre, and though it’ll be her first crack at the top job, the silky mid-courter is ready for more responsibilities within the Roos’ camp.
“I haven’t coached A-grade before, so it is going to be a new challenge — it’s definitely not what I’m used to but I have a lot of support behind me, which is really reassuring,” Butler said.
“Even though I haven’t taken on this sort of role before, I think it will make me a better player because of it.
“Hopefully it will have a positive effect on my personal game.”
Girgarre dropped just one game this season to finish behind Tallygaroopna on percentage alone.
Butler, who marshalled from the middle while outgoing coach Abby Pettifer controlled proceedings in offence, cited squad cohesion as the reason for the side’s sizzling second placing in 2021.
“I think a large part of our success came from having such a close group,” she said.
“When you get on so well and share a common goal while having fun, you definitely play better.
“We had a very good season minus the interruptions ... so it is a good feeling to move into a more leadership-based role.”
Butler said it would be a learning curve monitoring not only her own game, but that of eight others surrounding her.
However, she’s had an exemplary leader to take the reins from.
“Abby was an incredible coach, I’ve got big shoes to fill, that’s for sure,” Butler said.
“She took everything in her stride and I learned a lot from her.”
Down the way at Rushworth, Sarah West has pledged another year’s service to the Tigers.
West shouldered Rushworth’s A-grade coaching role at the beginning of the year and guided the side to a 12th placing, winning three of its 13 clashes across the truncated KDL season.
She will be searching for more consistency next year, and will hope to steer the Tigers towards a spot inside the top 10.
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