Gold Coast Suns coach Stuart Dew says Sam Collins’ character should not be questioned

There was no chance of Gold Coast Suns coach Stuart Dew not backing his defender Sam Collins following suggestions of illegal tactics.

The tactics of Gold Coast defender Sam Collins have been questioned. Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew has leapt to the defence of Sam Collins after comments from Western Bulldogs mentor Luke Beveridge led to suggestions of foul play from the Suns defender.

Following the Bulldogs’ 19-point weekend win over the Suns in Ballarat, Beveridge said he had to be “really careful” in giving his opinion on why his player Aaron Naughton had a quiet second-half.

“He’s been so dominant and then there were reasons why he wasn’t in the second half,” Beveridge said of forward Naughton.

It was speculated those “reasons” included Collins making illegal off-the-ball body contact with Naughton.

However, Dew said Beveridge’s comments should not cast aspersions on Collins.

Suns defender Sam Collins has the ‘hardest job every week’. Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

“It’s been magnified, to be fair – I don’t think it’s a reflection of Sam,” the Suns coach said.

“He (Beveridge) is probably just supporting his player and I’m supporting ours. That’s the way it should be, really.

“Aaron would want Luke saying that, and Sam certainly knows whose corner I sit in.

“Our observations were that Sam Collins fought his way back from a poor start in the game and I think that’s been well played out by everyone other than the two coaches.

“It shows his character and competitiveness. He’s got the hardest job every week on the best key forward.”

The Suns are keen to make amends for their loss to the Bulldogs when they meet Hawthorn at Darwin’s TIO Stadium on Saturday night.

“The lads are pretty keen. Last week, we never gave in, but we didn’t quite give our best,” Dew said.

“It’s another opportunity. Every week it feels like we’re a chance to win.

“We’re certainly a bigger threat than what we have been previously. That’s testament to the side and the club for putting in the work.

“Hawthorn had a fantastic win on the weekend (over the Brisbane Lions). They’ve been really attacking and aggressive in their play, so it’ll be a good test.”

Dew expected to be without fullback Rory Thompson for at least four weeks after he suffered another knee injury against the Bulldogs.

It was only Thompson’s third match back after having successive knee reconstructions.

“It’s likely he’ll need surgery,” Dew said of the unlucky defender.

“It’s one of those where they’ll know more once the camera is in there and they have a look.

“I’d be guessing, but I’d think (Thompson would be sidelined for) somewhere between four (weeks) and longer.

“Fingers crossed for Rory.”

Originally published as Gold Coast Suns coach Stuart Dew says Sam Collins’ character should not be questioned