The Mornington Peninsula sporting community is mourning the death of David Collins

Long Island Cricket Club has been rocked by the sudden death of popular player David Collins, at age 43.

David Collins celebrates a wicket for Long Island. Picture: Facebook

David Collins made his mark as a premiership-winning cricketer and footballer.

He was known as a dynamic cricketer at Long Island, where he played since he was a kid.

As a footballer, Collins played an integral role in Karingal’s 1999 premiership as a 19-year-old, kicking crucial goals in the final quarter after being swung into attack.

But it was his impact off field at both clubs, and the friendships he formed, that will be forever remembered.

The man known as “Disco’’ was the life of the party, a champion story teller and generous.

Hearts are heavy at Long Island cricket and Karingal football clubs following the death of Collins at his home on Friday morning at age 43.

The cause of his death has not yet been determined and will be investigated by the coroner.

Long Island Cricket Club president James Haley said the news had rocked all at his club.

“It’s been tough,’’ he said.

“A lot of people have known him for a long time. He started at the club at 13 or 14, and he played at the club on and off since.

“He’s been around a fair bit over the last four or five years.

“So it’s been pretty tough I think for a few of the players yesterday, especially in the lower grades who have played with him a bit more in recent times.’’

David "Disco'' Collins at Long Island Cricket Club. Picture: Facebook

Long Island cricket players met for “a check in” at 11 o’clock on Saturday morning before making their way to games.

Haley said tears flowed at the gathering.

“To be honest we gave everyone the option not to play and the MPCA was supportive of that,’’ he said.

“But no one actually pulled out in the end.

“There were a lot of people back at the club last night so it was pretty tough.’’

Haley said Collins was a “dynamic cricketer” and “a genuine people person”.

“He lived life like there was no tomorrow,’’ he said.

“Some days of his life were more than what people fit in their whole life.

“He was certainly a character.

“He told a lot of stories. I’m not sure if all of them were true. And he always had a lot of cricket bats…and he always shared them around. Someone always had one of Disco’s new bats.’’

Cricketers held a minute's silence in tribute to David Collins on Saturday.

Collins batting for Long Island.

Collins was Long Island 1st XI player No. 137, a five-time senior premiership player and a junior flag winner.

He was also a willing helper at the club, awarded the presidents award for his efforts in the kitchen on Thursday nights helping with meals.

“In the last three or four years he cooked meals in the kitchen every Thursday night, and did it for the footy club as well,’’ Haley said.

“So he really reconnected with the clubs.’’

Collins played 80 games of football for Karingal over 10 years.

Haley added: “Most importantly he was a genuinely great Long Island person who made up part of the fabric of what Long Island cricket club is.

“Our absolute sincere condolences to his partner Emma, his young boys Zac and Finn and his extended family.”