AFL draft 2015: Kieran Collins ready for Round 1 after nervous draft wait
THE AFL’s new-look draft format forced slider Kieran Collins to wait a full hour until his name was called at no. 26.
THE AFL’s new-look draft format forced slider Kieran Collins to wait a full hour until his name was called at no. 26.
But strong-bodied Western Bulldogs key defender Collins is a man in a hurry, assured by Luke Beveridge there are spots available as soon as Round 1 next year.
The 194cm key defender developed from a stopper into a commanding intercept marker this year in an outstanding season with the Dandenong Stingrays.
Dogs recruiter Simon Dalrymple described his drop to 26 as the surprise of the night, and Collins wants to make up for lost time.
“It was probably a nervous wait until pick 26 and to hear my name get called out was an unbelievable moment in my life and the dream has come true,’’ he said.
“When I got talking to Luke Beveridge last night he said you are ready to play you will play. He is said if we think you are in our best 22 we will pick you.
“So hopefully I can make an impact and hopefully get a game next year.
“I feel like I am ready but a big pre-season under my belt has to help.”
The prospect of not only playing in one of the league’s most exciting sides but alongside inspirational captain Robert Murphy is another motivation.
“He is the All-Australian captain and I am going to love to learn off him and playing next to him in the backline would be very nice.
“To make finals with their young list, you can see how they are moving upwards from here and it would be good to be a part of it.”
Originally published as AFL draft 2015: Kieran Collins ready for Round 1 after nervous draft wait
