Posted on 8 August, 2009

Knight became the Lady Cobras new Head Coach in 2006 taking over from Ed Dunstan whom he had served under as an Assistant Coach for two years.

There was an instant impact for the Lady Cobras who finished 14-10 in Knight’s rookie season and missed the playoffs on head to head with Ballarat.

In 2007 the Lady Cobras returned to the post season for the first time since 2003. Despite losing to Knox in the semi final the foundation was built with his young team for a finals run in 2008 and team did not disappoint. 

After finishing the season with a 15-9 record the Lady Cobras defeated Launceston, Bendigo and Nunawading on the road to the 2008 SEABL Championship. The team made the ABA National Semi Final but was defeated by the Townsville Flames.

This year the Lady Cobras started slowly, but as became the norm under Knight’s tenure, they fought their way back after a 1-5 start and sat in 4th position from Round 10-19.

Despite the excellent mid season form the Lady Cobras were bounced out of the finals in the final round of the season going down to Dandenong.

Knight finishes his tenure with four winning seasons, a 57-41 win-loss record, two finals appearances and a Championship.  But it is his impact on the players that has been most resounding. 

A philosophy of promoting local talent has paid off with Sarah Parsons and Clare Papavs both winning numerous awards and playing in the WNBL.

Kilsyth Cobras Director of Coaching Rod Popp said “The Club is indebted to Jason for the work he has done as the Head Coach of the Lady Cobras. During his four year tenure, the Club made two trips to the SEABL play offs and won the 2008 SEABL Championship. The 2008 Championship will be especially remembered as being won against the odds, a real credit to the team and their coach.”

Association President Malcolm Allison was dually complimentary of Knight’s work, “Jason has always been true to Kilsyth and done a fabulous job bonding his teams together and promoting the Clubs local talent.”

Knight was appreciative of the opportunities the Club has given him and thankful to all those who have been involved along the way, “I am very appreciative of the Club for giving me the chance to coach at SEABL level over the past six years (two as assistant and four as head coach).”

“There are far too many people to thank individually, but I must give special mention to family, coaching staff and without question the players.  In my time as head coach I am proud to have never had a losing season with regards to win/loss ratio, we have always taken the court with eight local Kilsyth players, and of course I was able to share in premiership success with a great team of people.”

Knight clearly enjoyed his time coaching the Lady Cobras and speaks of them as his family, “The best thing I can say about my time with the team, and this is more so over the past couple of seasons is that they have truly grown into an extended family.” 

“We as a group, have been through some pretty tough times and never have the girls not been there for any team member in need. We have faced every challenge together and no coach can ask for any more than that, and in saying that, it is what I will miss most about the team.”

Knight will continue his association with the Club helping the players in the Under 18 team become the next group of local talent to play for the Swinburne Kilsyth Lady Cobras.

The Club has begun the process of appointing a new Head Coach for the SEABL Women’s program with the formation of a sub-committee to conduct this process.

For all your Lady Cobras news stay tuned to www.cobras.net.au