Avellino mulling Steel assistant coach job

Rising coaching talent Natalie Avellino could be a contender for the vacant Southern Steel assistant coach's position.

Avellino – who played for Southern Sting in their heyday and is a former Australian international – has built a fine record as coach of the Southland NPC side during the past three years. She coached Southland to their first NPC title win in 49 years last year, and the side again fared well by making this season's final.

When contacted by The Southland Times yesterday, Avellino said she had not put an application in yet but would consider doing so, before next Friday's deadline.

"It's up in the air," she said.

"I've got a position description, but I haven't had a good look yet."

If Avellino decides to apply for the role and is given an interview, she said she would have to discuss the nature of the position and how it would fit in around her job as a sports co-ordinator at Southland Girls' High School.

"I'd have to see what the commitment is ... I love the job here. It would be working out how I can do both."

Avellino would almost certainly have to relinquish her role as an ANZ Championship commentator for Sky Sport, a position she has excelled in during the past two seasons, if appointed assistant coach of Steel.

The 38-year-old Avellino would be an attractive proposition for Steel, with her astute netball brain and vast knowledge of the Australian and New Zealand netball systems.

She has worked with Steel coach Robyn Broughton before, when she was a player with Southern Sting, and admitted the chance to team up with Broughton and learn from her was an exciting one.

Avellino said she liked the look of Steel's roster for next season and believed they would be there or thereabouts come playoff time.

"There's a good mix. They're going to be team that could be a real surprise. They've got some big names in there, but it will be hard to replace Donna (Wilkins) and Adine (Wilson).

Steel chief executive Julie Paterson said they had received only one assistant coaching application as of yesterday, but there had been several inquiries. She expected a late flurry of applications.

- © Fairfax NZ News