Dolphins’ new coach determined to lead a title charge

TANYA Roessler has set herself one simple goal as she prepares to take over the Gold Coast Dolphins Katherine Raymont Shield coaching reigns from retired coach Garry Lovett.

Go one better than last summer. The Dolphins have long been one of the competitions most dominant forces but are still yet to climb the one-day premiership mountain following their latest flawed attempt this year.

With Lovett taking up the role of director of coaching, Roessler has been promoted from second grade to first with the sole aim of delivering continued success.

“I have been the secondgrade coach basically since Garry first started the Dolphins all those years ago,” she said. “I was a bit surprised (to be promoted) but it’s a great opportunity and Garry is still going to be around to oversee coaching.

“On-field, our goal is to go one further. We’ve made it to the final a few times now but this year is our year to go all the way.

“I want to develop a really cohesive, tight team who are there to have fun and support their mates so I’ll bring the morale boost and Garry will bring the technical side of coaching.”

While all-rounder Sammy Jo-Johnson has already confirmed her departure to Sydney, Roessler has still inherited once of the competitions most talented lists.

“The depth within our side is unbelievable and we keep attracting more and more players who have a whole range of skills and abilities,” she said.

“I grew up loving cricket but being in a country town, there was no such thing as women’s cricket.

“I really wish I was the age of the girls coming through now because there’s so much opportunity.”

The Dolphins squad is set to begin its pre-season training on Sunday.