Former Werribee Centrals gun Noni McClure has joined the Central Highlands club, where she will serve as senior playing coach next season.

McClure is expected to slot into the Blues’ defensive end and bring a wealth of experience to the side.

She has already started pre-season training, with the squad set to resume following a Christmas-New Year break on Thursday.

Ballan netball co-ordinator Kara Jones said McClure’s recruitment was one of the biggest things to happen to the netball arm of the club.

“We were looking for a new coach and came across Noni and just thought it was the perfect fit, really, and hopefully she can take us to the next level,” Jones said.

“It’s exactly what the club needs to move forward.”

McClure also plays state netball in the Victorian Netball League with Geelong Cougars.

She replaces former coach Krista Woodroffe, who has left the club.

Meanwhile, Ballan has confirmed a trio of football recruits it hopes can carry it to greater heights in 2015. 

The Blues, under the guidance of coach Mark Williams for a second season, are aiming for finals after finishing ninth last campaign.

Senior assistant coach David O’Hanlon revealed Jake Wilkie, from Darley, Jackson Kew, from Essendon Doutta Stars, and Shaun Campbell, from Ainslie, are all on board for the new

year.

Campbell has won an AFL Canberra division one best and fairest.