The NSW Premier League franchise last week announced that Gilmour and Heather Smith will join the Blaze's opens side as assistant coaches in 2022, working alongside head coach Parr.

The pair replace Dennis Nepara, who is heading back to New Zealand, and Sharon Briggs, who will return to the role of team manager.

Jones and Gilmour will bring a wealth of experience to the club. Jones is the Western Sydney Academy of Sport and was the high performance manager at GWS Fury, while Gilmour's decorated playing career included being an Australian under 21s squad member and representing the Swifts.

Gilmour, who has also done some work with the Blaze's young talent, said she was thrilled to join the franchise's coaching staff.

"I did a little bit of work with the Blaze's TIP (Talent Identification Program) over the last couple of years and I had played with Marj previously. I also popped in to a few Blaze (training) sessions last year, so the opportunity came about through that. Marj approached me this year and the timing was right for me, so I jumped on board," Gilmour said.

"We didn't have a lot of time on the court together, but it's like all of the girls that you played with back in the day, you create a friendship and bond that remains, and that's what I love about sport. Even if you're not on the court, or don't have as much time together in a team, you still have that connection forever."

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Gilmour said she was excited about the Blaze's talent.

"They've worked hard on developing a strong team and family-based culture, which you can tell straight away, which is so important in any team situation, particularly when starting from scratch," the Wollongong-based mentor said.

"I've had a bit of experience with that, with the Hunter Jaegers when we started in the Commonwealth Bank trophy, so I got a bit of insight into how you've got to create things from the start. But in terms of the Blaze, they've got a great group of athletes who are all really dedicated and committed. Marj is one of the most passionate coaches you'll ever come across, and that filters down to all of the players."

While there has been changes to the Blaze's opens coaching staff, the franchise's under 23s coaches will remain the same in 2022. Jennie Webster will return as assistant coach alongside head coach Regan Tweddle.

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