Collins to debutBendigo Advertiser 17/04/2009
FORMER Bendigo Pioneer Andrew Collins has been selected to make his AFL debut for Richmond against Melbourne at the MCG this Sunday.
Collins has been picked on a wing for the clash with the Demons.
The 20-year-old last night told The Advertiser of his excitement and relief at being selected, with his debut coming after he was picked by Richmond at No.73 in the 2006 National Draft.
“It’s definitely been a long road, which makes it all that much sweeter when it takes a couple of years,” Collins said.
“My first year was basically rubbed out with osteitis pubis and then having surgery on my groin; I had a solid year in the VFL last year, so no doubt it’s going to be very sweet come Sunday.”
Collins was twice named an emergency for the Tigers last year, as he was in two of the opening three rounds this season.
The former Sandhurst-Marist Docker junior earned his call-up after kicking four goals and being named in Coburg’s best players in its 15-point VFL win over Frankston last Sunday.
“I was reasonably close for round one and just missed out, so it has taken a couple of weeks and it’s just a big relief to finally get my chance,” he said.
Collins’ debut game will be for an under-siege Richmond side that is languishing on the bottom of the ladder with three straight losses and mounting pressure on the future of coach Terry Wallace.
“It is a very big game, but everyone is well behind the coach and sticking by each other,” Collins said.
“The only pressure we think of is our internal pressure and the job we have got to do on the weekend.
“The players are just focused on beating a Melbourne side that has shown in the first three weeks that it can be super competitive.”
Adding to Collins’ excitement is the fact his first game will be on the MCG.
http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/news/local/sport/general/collins-to-debut/1488595.aspx
