Keppich-Birrell, who is the foundation coach of the team, led Collingwood’s entry into the Super Netball competition in 2017, taking them to within a goal of the preliminary final.

“I’m very proud to have been involved in the creation of Magpies Netball,” she said.

“We wrote the first pages of what I am certain will be a long and successful history. It was all new and such a personal and professional privilege.

“I want to thank my players, who came together from all over the country at relatively short notice and gave all that they had. I owe much to the staff and I want to thank Collingwood for embracing netball, for giving some of the finest female athletes in this country a new platform for their amazing talents.

“I walk away wishing this team and club all the very best and will be forever grateful for the opportunity to coach at the top level at this pivotal time in women’s sport,” Keppich-Birrell said.

The process of choosing who will succeed Kristy as Magpies Netball coach for the 2019 season will now commence.