SHARNIE McLean believes she is up to the challenge of being the youngest coach in the Farrer League after taking up the reins at Northern Jets for this season.
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At age 20 McLean, who will also play, will be younger than some of her teammates but has already built an impressive coaching resume, including guiding the Jets' A-reserves to a preliminary final last year, and some roles with Barellan rep netball.
The centre courter was named in the Farrer League's team of the year last season and will be assisted by Caroline O'Brien from the sidelines.
"I just wanted to give myself another challenge," McLean said.
"Caroline can watch things off the court so I don't have to completely focus on everything while I'm playing, and I can communicate to them quicker.
"When I was coaching (lower grades) from the sideline, I'd think of things during the quarter and completely forget about it by the time I could talk to them."
McLean said being a younger coach will have its advantages and disadvantages.
"In a way it could help as I've played with most of the girls in the team for a few years. I know how everyone plays and have a relationship with them too," she said.
"I was worried it could be a barrier and be difficult to get respect from them, but most of the girls know I've been coaching for a while and know what I'm talking about.
"When I'm on opposing players we can go as hard as we like on the court but we're still mates off it. I try and implement that in making decisions.
"It would be hard to cut someone or that sort of thing, but it's all part of the game."
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