The South Coast Baller

“She’s one of our own, she’s one of our own, Megan Collett, she’s one of our own.” If you were to join Southampton’s fans this season, you’d no doubt hear this terrace favourite belted out on a regular basis.

And for good reason. The 20 year old has been in scintillating form, the right-back becoming a mainstay of the Saints’ back line, and one of BWSL2’s most consistent fullbacks.`

A Saint since birth

Since joining Saints just aged 10, Collett has risen through the ranks to become a key figure on and off the pitch.

She made her Saints first-team debut aged 16 in an Adobe Women's FA Cup tie while still representing a successful academy side. She signed her first professional contact aged 18 and ended her breakout season in 2021-22 with an appearance in the play-off final.

In 2024-25 she starred – and scored – as Saints hit Portsmouth for five in her first local derby. She netted again when the two sides met in the Subway Women's League Cup.

This year, still relatively young, Collett has been a constant for Southampton, making 18 appearances in 20 BWSL2 fixtures.

Why? Well, her talent for one, while her love for the club shines through in all of her performances. Arguably the best example this season was once again in a south coast derby, when the defender’s display earned applause from those wearing blue as well as those in red and white.

The Saints-Pompey derby is “more than just a game” for both sets of players and supporters, but even more so for those like Collett who have been brought up on the rivalry. Portsmouth’s promotion back to the BWSL2 this year meant they had a lot to prove, but Saints wanted to assert their authority. For Collett, this represented a rare occurrence in which she was moved to the other end of the pitch, with head coach Simon Parker utilising her as an emergency forward.

Just seven seconds after kick-off, the decision seemed a masterstroke, with Collett taking the ball and driving forward, moving through the middle of the pitch and firing a shot that set the tone.

Southampton went two goals behind, but Collett and co. didn’t panic. Instead, she helped drag her side back into the game by crossing to teammate Abbie Ferguson to net the first of five – again. Collett was at the heart of it all, pressing hard and stifling the Pompey defence where possible. She received warm applause from all four sides of the stadium when she was substituted four minutes from the end.

A Future that can’t be ignored

Not surprisingly, many are predicting a big impact from the defender not just on the BWSL2, but BWSL if she can help her side reach the nation’s top tier.

If the 2025-26 season is anything to go by, Saints can expect more swashbuckling performances. Collet is making an impact wherever she’s used, whether it’s clocking up nine tackles in one game as part of the back line, or earning herself a goal and an assist further up the field.

A Rising star on every stage

Collett’s name is also a familiar one in the international stage as part of the England WU23 squad, her Saints form proving too irresistible for England’s coaching staff. After making her debut earlier this year in February, she was part of the group that reached the U23s World Cup in April.

Current WU23s manager Lydia Bedford highlighted just how important playing on the international stage is for players like Collett, arguing that “competitive games are beneficial in developing young players and preparing them for the next stage”.

Whatever the stage, and whether for club or country, Collet is showing she’s ready for it all.

Word credit: Taylor Simpson-Ward