By Jonty Ralphsmith
PULL QUOTE
“I’ve cherished what being a Gippslander meant.”
Outgoing Power coach Nathan Boyd
Gippsland Power is on the hunt for a new girls coach with Nathan Boyd resigning from the role following Sunday’s match against Calder Cannons.
Boyd has accepted the role as Dandenong Stingrays head coach, vacated by Josh Moore last month who departed for a role with Essendon’s AFLW side.
Having accepted the role in 2023, the first season the girls program had a full-time coach, Boyd’s impact on female football in the region has been profound.
As well as mentoring three players into the AFLW, including 2024 pick one Ash Centra, Boyd has helped grow the participation and standard of female junior footy across a region which has typically lagged behind the rest of the state.
Centra’s Pies teammate Amber Schutte and Port Adelaide’s Jas Sowden have also been drafted from Gippsland under Boyd’s reign.
“There were three tough conversations to have as a result: one was with (Talent Lead) Scotty (McDougal), one was with (boys coach) Rhett (McLennan) and the other was with the 34 girls,” Boyd said.
“What it’s done for me is it’s made me a better skills and fundamentals coach.
“It’s helped me understand the importance of community connection in a Talent League space.
“It’s allowed me to be in a position where I can be considered for an exciting role.
“I’m really enjoying what I’m doing and I don’t want that to end anytime soon.
“Reflecting on the region, I feel really proud to be able to call myself a Gippslander.
“Being able to have a tiny impact in so many amazing stories; whether it be Ash Centra going at pick one, Jas Sowden coming on such a remarkable personal journey and the many players who go back and play local footy that we’ve got connections with.
“It almost feels like I’m divorcing a family.
“It’s like I’ve got 34 kids I’m leaving behind.
“I’ve loved every moment, but I’ve cherished what being a Gippslander meant.”
Power boys coach Rhett McLennan poured praise on the impact Boyd has had during his tenure.
“We’ve loved ‘Boydy’ ever since he walked through the doors,” McLennan said.
“He’s a really honest guy and does a great job.
“His ability and want to go around the community and pump girls footy up, which is unique to this area, is something we need to do – it’s not just pick a squad and coach a side.
“He shows his face at community footy and advocates at schools which has brought girls footy to a competitive level.
“He’ll be sorely missed so the next person who gets that job has big boots to fill.”
Following the 2024 AFLW Draft, Centra, the poster girl for female footy in the region, acknowledged the impact of Boyd on her journey.
“In my first year, we lost by 100 most weeks and to see how far we’ve come this year is a credit to ‘Boydy’ and the players and staff,” Centra said at the time.
“I started three years ago and they’ve helped me develop, not only as a footballer but as an individual, and all the coaching staff and players have been so welcoming and encouraging and it’s something I’ll look back on and thank them for throughout the rest of my life.”
McLennan, McDougal and the team of assistant coaches will all chip in across the next month as the AFL appoints a new coach for the program.
The Power were able to send Boyd out with a big win and drench him in a Gatorade shower, defeating Calder 12.13(85) to 6.3(39) at Shepley Oval, Dandenong.
Pakenham’s Abby Hobson was the star, kicking four goals from 21 disposals, while Ava Deszcz and Brooke Kelly kicked two each, while Rebecca Fitzpatrick and Grace Dillow were also influential.
