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NORTH Bendigo has lured Neville Massina back into football coaching circles.
The Bulldogs announced on Thursday the appointment of Massina and club great Rob Bennett as co-coaches of the senior team for the 2014 season.
A dual premiership coach at Maryborough, Massina returns to coaching after a two-year break.
He was leading goalkicker at North Bendigo in 1974 and has watched the Dogs intently the past two seasons where son, Elliott has played in attack.
"This is a challenge I am really looking forward to," Neville Massina said.
"I have always enjoyed coaching and believe I can help this club."
Massina said Damien Lock had done a great job coaching North Bendigo the past two years.
The Dogs were runner-up in 2012 and preliminary finalist this September.
Massina and Bennett said a key was to retain most of this year's playing list.
"I have spoken to a lot of them and they have committed to next season," Bennett said.
A star in more than 200 senior matches for North Bendigo, Bennett is a three-time club champion.
He spent this year as an assistant coach at the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup under-18s competition.
"I learnt a lot being at the Pioneers and am looking forward to working with Neville," said Bennett.
Recruiting is set to kick off in earnest.
The club has re-appointed Tamara Gilchrist coach of the A-grade netball team.
Next season will be Gilchrist's third in charge.
"We had a great run in A-grade this season," Gilchrist said of a fourth-placed finish at the end of the home-and-away series.
They were beaten in the eliminational final by eventual premier, Colbinabbin.
"All of the A-grade girls from this season are keen to play on," said Gilchrist.
North had three of its four netball teams contest finals.
Try-outs for netball will start in late October and early November.
The Jamie Campbell-led committee at North Bendigo is kicking goals off-field.
The club has gained Superior Roofing, run by Rob McGrath, as naming rights sponsor of the Atkins Street ground.
