Experienced international coach and former Australian men’s captain Dan Ryan has been appointed as West Coast Fever’s new Head Coach following an extensive recruitment process.
The 37-year-old has coached in the best leagues and championships in the world, including Suncorp Super Netball, the ANZ Championship, the Australian Netball League and most recently, the Vitality Netball Superleague in the UK where he was the Head Coach & High-Performance Director of Leeds Rhinos for the past two years, taking the team to the finals in their inaugural season earlier this year.
He has also coached internationally as a specialist coach in the England Roses full time program and led Northern Ireland to a top 10 finish at the 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool.
Ryan said it was a dream come true to be back in Australia and have another opportunity to coach in Suncorp Super Netball.
“I cannot wait to be part of the West Coast Fever family,” he said.
“A key focus will be honouring the legacy of what’s been before and embracing the Fever way. That will be balanced with the aim of identifying some key areas where I can add value and enhance what’s currently in place, to ensure we are constantly moving the program and team forward.”
“I’ve grown a lot over the past three and a half years and have gained so much valuable experience overseas, so I feel really well prepared and confident it’s the right time and right place for me to thrive and reach my potential.”
“I have the utmost respect for Stacey and her team and what they’ve built and achieved in recent years, it’s been so impressive. The team is in a really healthy position right now and it’s a great privilege to be given this opportunity to join such an established and successful high-performance environment.”
“The playing list is exceptionally talented and the growth potential within the squad is even more exciting. I truly believe there’s a lot of scope for me to add value so I can’t wait to start this new journey with the team.”
“The netball fans in the west are some of the most passionate and loyal in the country so I can’t wait to meet the Fever faithful and hopefully see the famous Green Army pack out RAC Arena next season.”
West Coast Fever CEO Simone Hansen congratulated Ryan on his appointment and said his energy, passion and drive made him the perfect fit for the club.
“Dan’s strengths and coaching experience make him the perfect fit for our environment,” Hansen said.
“He has shared some great insights about our club and has a clear vision as to where he can see future growth, and that excites us. He has demonstrated true respect for the program and what Stacey Marinkovich has delivered and has every intent to gain a deeper understanding of the strengths of the program from the inside, and value add in his own way.”
“Dan is an innovative player’s coach who values the person as much as the player and we believe that West Coast Fever is the perfect environment where he can be the best version of himself and continue to evolve his coaching.”
“We are also very lucky to be in the position we are as a Club where our outgoing Coach Stacey Marinkovich has been engaged through parts of the recruitment process and can continue to contribute.”
“Whilst Stacey will move into her full-time role with the Diamonds, both her and Dan will spend the required time together to assist in a thorough handover of the program and give Dan the best insight to the framework of the Club.”
Dan Ryan will officially commence in the role next Monday 13th September and the Club will work with Dan over the coming weeks to confirm his High Performance Team.
Pre-season will start part-time on Monday, November 15 for two weeks, before welcoming back all available athletes full-time on Monday, November 29.
Dan Ryan High Performance Coaching Career
Vitality Netball Superleague (UK)
• Leeds Rhinos, Head Coach & High-Performance Director, 2019-2021
• Manchester Thunder, Assistant Coach, 2019 (Champions)
• Manchester Thunder, Head Coach, 2016 (Runners up)
International/ Netball World Cup
• Northern Ireland, Head Coach & High-Performance Director, 2018-2021
• England Roses full time program, Specialist Coach, 2015/16
Suncorp Super Netball
• Adelaide Thunderbirds, Head Coach, 2017-2018
Australian Netball League
• Southern Force, Assistant Coach, 2015 (Runners up)
• Southern Force, Head Coach, 2013 (4th place)
ANZ Championship
• Adelaide Thunderbirds, Assistant Coach, 2012-2015 (Champions 2013, 4th in 2012)
Dan Ryan Elite Playing Career
• Australian Men’s Team 2000-2012 / Captain 2007-2012
• Victorian Men’s Team 1999-2013 / Captain 2003-2013 (8-time National Champion)
