Willaston’s Coaching Innovation

By PETER ARGENT

Willaston Football Club is poised to become a trailblazer in the Barossa, Light and Gawler Football Association next year with highly-regarded Megan Boers-Veen appointed to its A-grade coaching panel.

Boers-Veen will assist head mentor Damien Herzick while guiding the Donnybrooks’ midfield brigade as she comes into their program with a stack of credentials in the women’s game.

“I’m very exciting about the opportunity and looking forward to the challenge,” Boers-Veen said.

“It’s one I’m up for and I couldn’t be in a better place to continue my coaching journey.

“Damien should take credit too, as he has always said to me he felt I was the best person for the role, regardless of gender.”

Boers’ playing journey in the code started in the BLG women’s competition back in 2018 as a part of the Willaston Donnybrooks’ inaugural team.

“My first game was against Tanunda at the Gawler Central Oval in a 9-a-side contest,” Boers confirmed.

“I was a member of the Willaston side which won the 2020 BLG Women’s A grade flag.”

Boers also played with Central District in 2019 in their inaugural SANFLW season, making her debut and playing a single senior game against Norwood.

She then broke her leg in a 2019 BLG Women’s semi-final against Tanunda – both the tibia and fibula bone – at Williamstown Oval.

“In 2020, I was given Central’s SANFLW team’s forward coaching role under Shaun Ribbons and in 2021, was the Player Development Coach at the Ponderosa,” Boers continued.

“In 2021, there was also the senior coaches’ role the Central Zone women’s team at the SANFL Country Championships in Victor Harbor and Encounter Bay.

“I coached Willaston to the 2022 BLGW Premiership, enjoying an undefeated season.”

She was also with Willaston’s BLG Women’s side in 2023 and in the 2024 campaign, will have a dual role at North Adelaide as the SANFLW league midfield coach under 2021 premiership mentor Jason Fairall.

Boers-Veen has completed the national “BHP She Can Coach” program and is about to start a scholarship at the Marjorie Jackson-Nelson centre for women’s sport.

Adding to her accolades, Boers-Veen was named inaugural SANFL Female Community Coach of the Year in 2022.

“Hopefully the schedule works so there is a minimal interruption,” Boers-Veen said of her dual roles in ’24.

“Both opportunity are too good to miss!

“If I could be the head coach of Willaston A-grade one day, it would a special opportunity.

“To do the best at what I’m doing at the time is my focus.”

Senior men’s coach at Willaston, Herzick, approached Boers-Veen about taking on this important role in his coaching panel, having been impressed with the way she has run the women’s program at Willaston.

“Firstly and foremost, Megan was the best person for the job and she will be a massive asset to our staff,” Willaston senior coach Herzick explained.

“My mindset is always getting the best people in the roles, to garner success.

“I’ve watched Megan over the past couple of years and seen her wonderful communication and ability to get the best out of her troops.

“Her understanding of the game and the culture of the Willaston girls is exceptional.

“She’s a modern-day thinker, when it comes to football.

“Andre, her father, has given her a strong grounding and she will make an impact.”

A Barista by trade, Boers-Veen has flexible working hours to apply time to her coaching ambitions.