Hume City Broncos have turned to a familiar face to lead their Big V women’s state championship side as they continue to look for a longer-term coaching arrangement.
Glen Milner, who coached the Broncos’ state championship teams to consecutive titles in 2007 and ’08, will again coach them this year.
Christian Impey will take over the reins for the youth league women’s state championship side, which Milner previously coached.
The plan is for Milner to coach for one year while the Broncos search for a replacement to take over in 2018 and beyond.
Broncos president Peter Jackson said having Milner coaching offered stability.
“In mid-August, the club began an extensive search for a suitable long-term candidate, including twice advertising the role,” Jackson said. “That process didn’t yield the desired result, but there were indications from several prospective contacts that their circumstances to commit to the role could be more favourable in 12 months’ time. In that context, we approached Glen to take on the role for 2017 and he’s agreed to steer the ship as we continue to finalise a longer-term arrangement.”
For Milner, who is also Broadmeadows Basketball Association vice-president, it’s a return to a role he thought he’d left behind.
“I’d called time on my SEABL and state championship coaching roles, but the circumstances required that I step up,” he said.
“Having said that, I’m excited for the challenge. There’s been large changes to the game over the years – new game styles and tactics.
“We wanted to keep the group together to challenge again. I’m really familiar with the playing group and I’ve been working with the youth girls. We’ll have both teams work in unison to get the best out of both groups.”
Milner has previously coached many of the players and says most will return next season. He said keeping the group together was the most important thing and the reason why he took on the coaching role.
Jacinta Scott has retired and three-time reigning league most-valuable-player Colleen Planeta will not be returning.
“Sometimes people under-estimate the relationships between the playing groups,” Milner said.
“They really enjoy each other’s company.”
While Planeta isn’t returning, the Broncos have signed Samantha Guastella. The American played with Luxembourg club side Etzella Ettelbruck earlier this year with Planeta.
“Looking at tapes and from what Colleen’s told me, she’s a bit more of a post player and will have a big presence closer to the basket,” Milner said. “She also has a good long-range shot.”
