Woodville-West Torrens midfielder James Boyd to play his 200th league game

Woodville-West Torrens onballer James Boyd has had a lengthy journey in the SANFL and this weekend he achieves a special milestone.

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Woodville-West Torrens onballer James Boyd admits being dropped to the reserves this season was a “bit” embarrassing.

A Central District premiership player in 2010, Boyd said his demotion by Eagles coach Sam Lonergan was a bit embarrassing given he prided himself on his performances and the way he went about his game.

“I’m not the first player to be dropped and I won’t be the last,” said Boyd, who will make his 200th league appearance in the clash against Norwood at The Parade on Saturday. “It was challenging and a tough pill to swallow.

“That happens sometimes when a new coach comes in. Every player has got an area they can improve on and I had to go back and improve on a few things.

Woodville-West Torrens midfielder James Boyd. Picture: Sarah Reed

“I was able to do that and play some reasonable footy in the reserves and I’ve been lucky to come back into the league side.”

Boyd adhered to Lonergan’s message in the reserves and it was appropriate he should get his recall for the battle against the Bulldogs at Elizabeth Oval in round 9.

The midfielder played his junior football with South Adelaide and made his league debut for the Panthers in 2007 when “I sat on the bench for most of the game and played the last five minutes”.

After 41 games for the Panthers, he switched to the Bulldogs in 2010 where his dedication was evident in the lengthy drive from his southern suburbs home for training and games.

“I was lucky to play in a premiership in my first year at Central,” he said. “Going to Central and walking into a star-studded side helped me as a footballer and I was lucky to get that opportunity.

“I loved it down at South and my time with Central.”

After the 2013 season and 69 games the Bulldogs, Boyd thought his days in the SANFL were over and he considered offers from the VFL and WAFL. That was until a lengthy chat with then Eagles coach Michael Godden, who had coached him as a member of the state side, convinced him to base himself at Woodville Oval in 2014.

The confrontation with the Redlegs will be his 90th game in the Eagles jumper and he noted it was a big game for the club.

“We need to keep our winning ways going,” Boyd said. “We will have our work cut out at The Parade.”

SANFL ROUND 11

Norwood v Eagles

Coopers Stadium, Norwood

Saturday, 2.40pm

TV: Channel 7

Glenelg v Central District

ACH Group Stadium, Glenelg

Sunday, 2.40pm

TV: Channel 7