Netball: Fever-bound Plummer asks to keep Aussie job

Norma Plummer. Photo / Getty Images

Stormin' Norma may not be gone. Norma Plummer has signed up to coach the Fever in next year's ANZ Championship, but the veteran Australian coach refuses to discount the possibility of remaining in the international arena.

While most assumed that the shift west would see her relinquish her role as head coach of the Diamonds, Plummer says the door is still very much open.

"I put in my expression of interest when they closed a few weeks ago - and I think I still remain a contender," Plummer told the Herald on Sunday. "It is certainly not out of the question - there are not many out there who have my experience."

Netball Australia said the focus was on the current international campaign, with the coaching role not to be discussed before that ends. They had previously stated Plummer's job would be advertised after July's world championships in Singapore.

"There is room for the job to become a part-time role and I have had discussions with Netball Australia about that," says Plummer. "We have already cancelled a series that was scheduled for January and, over the next two years especially, there is not a lot of international activity."

Before her Fever appointment was announced there were rumours about Plummer taking on an ANZ Championship role, but most figured she would go to Queensland, with incumbent Firebirds coach Rose Jencke moving on to Sydney or Melbourne.

The Fever have finished 9th, 7th, 8th and 9th in the four seasons of the ANZ Championship. They have had their moments - having beaten every other Australian team at some point - but have lacked consistency.

"It won't be easy but it is a sensational challenge," says Plummer. "It won't happen overnight but I can make a difference - I wouldn't go there if I didn't think I could."

Plummer, who says she was "wined and dined" by the Fever hierarchy over the past 12 months, describes the opportunity as too good to miss. While she loves the Diamonds role, the Melbourne-born Plummer has missed hands-on coaching as she has spent less and less time with the players.

"From the start of the ANZ Championship, you never see the players. [The Diamonds] have a four-day camp here and another there. I like to coach - but there is limited opportunity to develop the players. I am looking forward to that regular involvement rather than just talking to them on the phone."