mmg.com.au

Kyabram has always had an enviable defensive line-up, but it could be its goaling attack that takes centre stage following its recruiting coup.

The 2011 Wellman Family medallist Kathryn Hard will join the Bombers next season after deciding to leave fellow Goulburn Valley Netball League club Seymour.

Kyabram playing coach Belinda Lees said Hard supported the Bombers through their finals campaign and had expressed an interest in a change of clubs.

Lees later contacted Hard to find out how serious she was about that.

‘‘I’d spoken to her about a month ago, but I told her she needed to take time and be 100 per cent with whatever decision she made, because it was a huge one for her,’’ Lees said.

Lees said gaining Hard gave Kyabram ‘‘a few more options’’ with the loss of defender Lauren Pryde, who is headed for Newcastle for her graduate year of nursing.

With Hard looking set to take on a goal attack role, Lees said she could push into the midcourt, or even defence if required, and it gave young goaler Elle Groves the chance to work with another goaler.

‘‘Even though we’ve had such great success the last two years, our attack end, apart from myself, is really young,’’ Lees said.

‘‘If I was to move out of there I wanted someone with a bit of experience and maturity to be up there with the younger girls to balance it out.’’

Out-going Seymour coach Abby Misiti, who will continue to play at the club, said Hard informed herself and the club’s netball co-ordinator of her decision on Saturday.

It was a further blow to the team as midcourter Toni Lind had already indicated she would remain in Melbourne next season and it appears defender Bridget Brock will do the same.

Misiti said she knew Hard was looking for a new club, but did not realise she was looking within the GVNL as she thought Hard would play in Melbourne where she is based.

‘‘We lose a very experienced player, but in saying that it allows a young girl to step up and opens the door for some other girls to get a position in A-grade, so that’s exciting for the future of our club,’’ Misiti said.

Misiti said she decided to relinquish the role of A-grade coach in favour of concentrating on playing.

She was also coach of the Lions’ 17-and-under side which reached the semi-final this year and she will continue to coach them next season.

The appointments of the senior coaches is yet to be made.

‘‘I found it really difficult the last two seasons to play and coach (A-grade). It’s quite a challenging role,’’ Misiti said.

‘‘I love the group of young kids coming through (the 17-and-unders) and we finished fourth last year and had a really successful season.

‘‘I’ve got the majority back in the squad this year, so I’d like to stick with them and perhaps see them through to A-grade in the next couple of years.’’