Matthew Collins (Australian footballer)

Matthew Collins (born 2 February 1977) is a former Australian rules footballer who played in the Australian Football League.[1] He was well known for a large distinct Indian tattoo on his shoulder.

Matthew Collins
Personal information
Full name Matthew Collins
Date of birth (1977-02-02) 2 February 1977 (age 47)
Original team(s) Macleod (DVFL)
Draft 38th Overall, 1994 AFL Draft
Height 186 cm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight 85 kg (187 lb)
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
1996–1997 Adelaide 14 (2)
1998–2001 Melbourne 29 (5)
Total 43 (7)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2001.
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

He played originally for the Macleod Football Club in Victoria.[1]

AFL career

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Adelaide

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Collins was drafted at pick 38 from Northern U18 where he was regarded as a promising running defender.[1] Collins broke his leg playing for North Adelaide in the SANFL and missed out on AFL football in his first year. He made his AFL debut in round 10 1996, playing 8 games in his debut season. Groin injury hampered his 1997 season managing 6 games late in the season. He was omitted before finals and missed out on playing in the Crows first premiership. After the death of a close friend, Williams asked to move back to Melbourne, during his time with the Crows he had broken his leg, had three groin operations and had broken the same forearm twice. He was traded alongside Brent Williams for Nathan Bassett,[2]

Melbourne

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Collins made his debut for Melbourne in 1998 but missed the start of the season with a hernia, and broke his arm again. After only 2 games in 1999 Collins had a career best year in 2000. He played a full season of football without injury and played 14 AFL games, including the 2000 AFL Grand Final loss.[3] Collins played 9 games in 2001 but a knee injury ruined his second half of the season and was delisted at seasons end.

Collins received interest from St Kilda but was not drafted, he played the 2002 season at Northern Bullants.

References

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  1. ^ a b c Holmesby, Russell; Main, Jim (2003). The Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers: every AFL/VFL player since 1897 (5th ed.). Melbourne, Victoria: Crown Content. p. 133–134. ISBN 1-74095-032-1.
  2. ^ "1997 Trade for Nathan Bassett, Matthew Collins and Brent Williams - Draftguru". www.draftguru.com.au. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
  3. ^ "Melbourne Football Club". 13 January 2002. Archived from the original on 13 January 2002. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
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