VFL: Willilamstown coach’s SANFL protege joins Gulls

Williamstown has significantly bolstered its leadership with the signing of former West Adelaide captain Ryan Ferguson as playing assistant coach.

Ferguson is no stranger to new Seagulls coach Andy Collins, having played under him at the Bloods during a glittering SANFL career.

“Ryan is not blessed with huge muscles or blistering pace, but I have coached him for the last six years and it’s easy to say that he’s the best player I have been involved with,” Collins said.

Ferguson spent five years on Melbourne’s list in the AFL, accumulating 47 games.

The 32-year-old crossed to the Bloods after he was delisted at the end of 2007.

The backman claimed the club champion player award in his first season and went on to repeat the feat on four occasions.

There seems to be no slowing down the veteran, with 2013 a particularly memorable season.

Ferguson claimed the Fos Williams Medal for best on ground in the SANFL’s interstate battle with NEAFL, which sat nicely alongside SANFL team of the year honours and a club champion award.

His wife, Bree Munro, a former Olympic aerial freestyle skier, will offer advice to the players on athlete development and leadership.