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Sam Collins hits back at Ross Lyon’s ‘nepo baby’ Gold Coast Suns comment

Gold Coast Suns vice-captain Sam Collins has hit back at his former Fremantle coach Ross Lyon, who claimed the Suns were the AFL’s ‘nepo baby’. Details inside.

Storm erupts over Ross Lyon's 'nepo baby' sledge

Gold Coast Suns defender Sam Collins has hit back at his former Fremantle coach Ross Lyon, who labelled the Suns as the AFL’s “nepo baby” before St Kilda’s clash with the Suns on Sunday.

Collins played under Lyon during the first two years of his career and featured in just two games during the 2017 AFL season before he was delisted by the club.

Asked if those comments from the now Saints coach would be used to inspire the squad throughout the rest of the season, the 30-year-old said the jab would not have an impact on the squad.

“No I don’t think so,” Collins said.

“The last opinion of his I took was when he delisted me, so I don’t care for his opinion anymore.”

Collins said the disrespect shown towards the club was disappointing.

Sam Collins during a Gold Coast Suns AFL training session at the People First Stadium. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Sam Collins during a Gold Coast Suns AFL training session at the People First Stadium. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

“I think every football club has its challenges and everyone’s going to be looked at in different ways.

“I know what we’ve done over eight years since I’ve been here has established a really strong culture and identity.

“To have comments like that come back’s a bit disappointing but what we’ve got here is a great football club in all capacities admin and football.

“We want to build something special for the Gold Coast and I’m proud to be a part of that.”

The Suns will take on Fremantle this weekend but Collins won’t be using the chance to take on his former side as additional motivation.

“It was a long time ago now and I don’t really know too many of their players and it was a really brief stint in my AFL career.

“So I’m excited to play another game of football and I’m super excited to be playing at home this weekend and can’t wait to hopefully get the win against the Dockers.

“They’re in great form so looking forward to a really tough contest.”

Originally published as Sam Collins hits back at Ross Lyon’s ‘nepo baby’ Gold Coast Suns comment

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/sam-collins-hits-back-at-ross-lyons-nepo-baby-gold-coast-suns-comment/news-story/84a8e6c27eed8ef02ad4d922e6d232d8