James is Boyd by his 200th

By ZAC MILBANK

SANFL’s next 200 Club member, Woodville-West Torrens’ James Boyd, has revealed he nearly accepted an offer to play in the VFL or WAFL at the end of 2013.

At that point, Boyd, who had parted ways with Central District after playing in the Bulldogs’ 2010 premiership, was weighing up whether he wanted to play at a third SANFL club having begun his career with South Adelaide in 2007.

An extensive coffee chat with then Eagles coach Michael Godden swayed Boyd towards Oval Avenue, paving the way for him to join SANFL’s illustrious group of Playing Life Members when he lines up against Norwood at The Parade on Saturday.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, the 30-year-old said he owed a lot to Godden, who also coached him in three of his four West End State game appearances, including the memorable 2014 victory against the VFL in Port Melbourne.

Now thriving off the field with his brother Tim – they own and run their own company in Boyd Carpentry – James Boyd is finding his feet again after an unfamiliar stint in the Reserves this season.

The consistent ball magnet fought through his latest challenge and has now returned to the stage where he has shone since playing his first League match for the Panthers in Round 7 of 2007.

He’s achieved just about everything on an individual scale – including the 2008 SANFL Powerade Star Search Award, 2005 McCallum Medal and 2007 Reserves Magarey Medal – but he is chasing a second premiership medal with a group of players he’s built a special bond with across 89 of his 199 League games.