Bibby grew up in Stawell and returned to the region earlier in the year as a teacher at Ararat College.

"I was approached by a few students to come and coach the team," she said.

"I knew Ararat had a team - but didn't realise they didn't have a coach or know much about them. I was coaching a youth girls team at Darebin but since taking the role in Ararat I couldn't travel twice a week plus games - I am really missing football."

Bibby is an esteemed ice hockey and football player and has a wealth of experience as an elite-level athlete.

She competed in seven ice hockey world championships for Australia from 2000-2011 - assistant captain from 2001-2004. 

"I also identified the opportunity as a good way to connect with the community," she said.

"I am excited to start training with the girls and getting to know all their strengths and weaknesses. I want to pass on my knowledge of high-intensity training and the values of commitment right away."

Football is a sport Bibby said she loves. She started playing AFL in Sydney in 2003, playing a total of four seasons including three grand finals and winning two premierships in her early career.

"I think I have the experience to guide the girls and set them up for what could be a long career for them in the game," she said.

"I am also a strong advocate for women coaching in the sport."

A focus for Bibby is to develop players of all skill levels to be playing at the highest level possible.

"Sometimes I think girls in the country can be overlooked sometimes," she said.

"Girls in the country aren't in front of the scouts and talent managers all the time - my goal is to get the girls that want to into the AFL and there will be more and more opportunities for that in the very near future.

"Four new AFLW teams will be introduced next season so there will be a bigger intake of players than ever before."

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Bibby played with VFL team, Darebin and said from the 2015 team, 15 players were picked up for an ALFW team.

"I played with them for four or five years," she said.

"I think I will be able to help those girls who want to go further.

"It will take a few months to go through where everyone is at, the direction we take and base training and game plans around individual strengths and abilities."

Bibby encourages any players interested in playing football to come to training on Wednesday and Friday nights at 4.30pm at Alexandra Oval.

"The season is expected to commence late April," she said.

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