Netball New Zealand has decided to put off finding a permanent assistant for Silver Ferns coach Wai Taumaunu, and will instead hold rolling auditions for the next two years before making an appointment ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
The revolving-door policy is designed to give New Zealand's top coaches exposure at international level.
The only problem is two of the leading candidates have their hands full.
Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic coach Noeline Taurua has declared herself unavailable for now, and Northern Mystics coach Debbie Fuller has indicated she is unlikely to be available in the near future.
Fuller has three children, aged eight months, two and six, and juggles family life and her netball commitments with the demands of a steel fabrication business.
With Netball New Zealand ruling out experienced coaches Robyn Broughton and former Silver Ferns coach Leigh Gibbs, that leaves Steel co-coaches Southby and Natalie Avellino and Tactix assistant coach Julie Seymour as the remaining viable options. Former Silver Ferns captain Belinda Colling has also been mentioned as a possible outsider.
Southby said she would not rule out accepting a role as assistant if offered but admits she will be pressed for time during the next year.
Right now, Christmas shopping is one of her many priorities. Her two girls - Grace (7) and Ella (6) - have big expectations of Santa.
But in the new year most of her energy will go into whipping the new-look Steel squad into shape ahead of its ANZ Championship opener against the Magic in Invercargill on April 2.
The New Zealand under-21 coach is also focused on the world youth championships in 2013.
"At this stage, my year is looking pretty busy," Southby said.
"I'm also in the coach accelerator programme, so that is more time as well."
On the other hand, Southby said opportunities did not come around that often and it was important to grasp them if possible.
"I'm not saying no. If the timing was right, and I get approached, then it is something I'd consider."
Southby believes the concept of trialling assistant coaches is a good idea.
"I think it is a good way for Wai to find someone who she can work with and also vice versa. I've been through that process myself [at under-21 level] and I think it is a good way to get to know people and to help share knowledge.
"I guess it is also about trying to build those relationships between the Silver Ferns and the New Zealand franchises."
The Steel assembles for a training camp in Dunedin from January 18-20 but there is still plenty of work to do between now and then, Southby said.
It is a constant process of chipping away and building towards what shapes as an important season for the franchise.
The Steel has undergone a huge amount of change.
Foundation coach Robyn Broughton left in controversial circumstances when the franchise advertised for a coach at the end of the 2011 season.
The playing roster has been completely revamped with just four players returning and high profile players such as Leana de Bruin and Liana Leota moving on. And just last week, chief executive Julie Paterson announced her resignation.
The Steel is certainly in a rebuilding phase but Southby is aware that excuse will not wash with the fans for too long.
"We're rebuilding but I know the players are determined to give it their best. And I think we do have some experienced players. If they are all fit and available then I think we will be really competitive."
