One of the country’s most respected netball figures Cathy Fellows and former Adelaide Thunderbirds and Australian Diamonds captain Natalie von Bertouch have joined the Thunderbirds coaching ranks.
Fellows has been announced as Assistant Coach to Tania Obst. With more than 20 years’ coaching experience, she joins the Adelaide Thunderbirds following a season as assistant at Collingwood Magpies Netball.
Von Bertouch, a dual premiership captain with the Adelaide Thunderbirds, who is regarded as one of the best mid-courters of modern netball, will join as the mid-court Specialist Coach.
Head Coach Tania Obst said, “Cathy and Natalie bring so much knowledge to the team and such a depth of experience both on and off the court.”
Cementing this dual appointment is their shared desire to enable elite athletes to reach their full potential and foster a winning team culture.
Tania continued, “I have worked with Cathy on a number of occasions in national underage programs. She has an impressive history of coaching experience and her knowledge of the game is immense.”
Obst said Adelaide Thunderbirds fans and South Australians will be delighted to hear of von Bertouch’s return to the club.
“Natalie holds a special place in the hearts of Thunderbirds supporters and she has great passion for the club. With her outstanding playing career and experience captaining Australia, we are very excited to see Natalie develop her role as Specialist Coach with our team and within the club.”
Adelaide Thunderbirds General Manager Melody Cooper said the appointment of Fellows and von Bertouch are phenomenal additions to the club and will bolster the coaching structure.
“Cathy and Natalie both have experience and knowledge that will compliment Tania and this now completes our powerful coaching roster. The collective passion for our club to thrive is contagious and this will all translate on the court,” she said.
“The appointments support the ambitions of the club for a strong, successful and competitive season, and is a vital part in the evolution of the Adelaide Thunderbirds.”
Fellows said “I have been involved in Victorian netball for over 20 years and look forward to bringing my knowledge and understanding of the game, skills analysis and ability to develop the 2019 athletes to their full potential.
“Joining the Adelaide Thunderbirds was an offer I couldn’t turn down. It is an exciting opportunity to continue to develop my coaching skills in a new environment with world class athletes and a world class coach in Tania Obst.
“The 2019 squad is very exciting with a great mix of international talent and the best young South Australian talent. The squad is very versatile which will create a challenge for opposition teams.”
Von Bertouch said “I am so honoured to be back at the Adelaide Thunderbirds. To be part of a netball club again is so exciting, especially when it’s the team closest to my heart.
“I can’t wait to use my knowledge, skills and experience to support Tania and the players, and achieve success. As the mid-court Specialist Coach, my aim is to build strong relationships and connections with the middies who are an exciting mix of young talent and world class experience.
“I want to support the players on and off the court, so they can play their best netball and contribute positively to the team environment. I am also passionate about creating a strong culture that will breed success.”
