Ex-Magpie Shane Watson takes coaching role at De La Salle

The VAFA club will ‘‘have access to a serious level of football IQ’’ after securing a top assistant in support of coach Dave Madigan.

Shane Watson playing for Collingwood against the Bombers.

De Salle hasn’t replaced Bradley Gotch, but it has brought in another experienced coach for 2021.

The VAFA club confirmed tonight it had secured former Collingwood and Northern Bullants player Shane Watson as senior assistant to Dave Madigan.

Watson brings a spotless coaching CV to amateur football.

He was on North Melbourne’s coaching staff from 2010-15, and was an assistant and head of development at Carlton from 2015-19.

Watson got his start in coaching at Lower Plenty in the Diamond Valley in 2005 and steered TAC Cup club Eastern Ranges from 2008-10.

Shane Watson as a Kangaroo.

“Shane’s background speaks for itself. Our players and coaches are going to have access to a serious level of football IQ and implementation,’’ Madigan said.

“Moreover, I have seen the way Shane operates with players, football department and across a club and he is a first-rate relationship builder. He is a terrific addition for us.’’

President Matt O’Callaghan “We are rapt to pick someone of the calibre and experience that Shane brings to our club, and look forward to seeing his positive impact on the coaching and playing groups.”

Watson had a good career at Collingwood, playing 141 games from 1992-2000. He was runner-up to Mick McGuane in the best and fairest in 1993.

The right-footer later played with the Bullants in the VFL, winning their top trophy in 2003.

De La had appointed Gotch as director of coaching but he has since taken the West Adelaide coaching job in the SANFL.