The former Australian Diamond, and most recent Specialist Coach with the national team, becomes just the sixth Head Coach in the Firebirds’ history.
Anderson described it as a privilege to be chosen as the person responsible for leading the Queensland side into their next era.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to coach at the Suncorp Super Netball level and I am genuinely humbled to be the next Head Coach of the Queensland Firebirds,” Anderson said.
“The Club has such a rich tradition and successful history, and I am confident we will continue to build upon that legacy as a group.”
“As a coach, I pride myself on being creative, positive and adaptable, and I’ve worked really hard to develop my skills since retiring to ensure I would be ready to grab an opportunity like this with both hands.”
“My primary focus though is my players, and my goal is to do everything within my ability to help nurture and develop this group, so that we can do justice to both their ability and their potential.”
Impressed by a strong run home in season 2020, Anderson said she was excited by the opportunity to work with a team clearly on the rise.
“It’s a dynamic and talented playing group and I was particularly impressed by the manner in which they finished the season after some close losses early in the year - that shows true character and I know we can build on that in 2021.”
“They show plenty of variety and skill on court and never back down, so if we can continue to build our combinations with those characteristics at our core, this group will match it with any team in the league.”
Having experienced both sides of the player/coach relationship, Anderson brings a wealth of experience to her first opportunity as a Head Coach.
A creative player either in the shooting circle or at wing attack, Anderson played for the Sydney Swifts in the Commonwealth Bank Trophy before moving to New Zealand for stints with the Southern Steel and Northern Mystics in the ANZ Championship era.
She also became the first athlete to debut for Australia in the 21st century as Diamond #125 in the year 2000, going on to represent her country on 20 occasions.
She transitioned to coaching following her retirement, with five seasons as Assistant Coach at the NSW Swifts, including two Grand Final appearances, and two years as a Specialist Coach of the Australian Diamonds, with two Constellation Cup wins, two Quad Series victories and a World Cup Silver Medal.
Queensland Firebirds CEO, Catherine Clark, was resolute in her confidence in Anderson’s ability to lead both the team, and the club, to the next level.
“From our first conversation it was clear Megan’s values, and her style of leadership, were absolutely the right combination for our Club in this next chapter,” Clark said.
“Megan possesses a true competitive mindset and having played the game at the highest level, brings a unique insight into knowing exactly what it takes to be the best.”
“She has a tremendous respect for the culture of success synonymous with the Firebirds and is incredibly driven to build upon it. I have no doubt her hunger will resonate with our athletes as they share those same goals.”
“I have been also impressed by Megan’s determination that the Firebirds will set the standard for a brand of netball of which all of Queensland can be truly proud.”
“We are delighted to welcome Megan, Mark, Thomas and Olivia into the Purple Family with open arms and look forward to getting to work as we prepare for the 2021 season.”
Anderson will commence her role in December.
