Dashing defender left in limbo as draft dream put on hold

The coronavirus shutdown has put a stop to the Devils program with many, such as North Hobart’s Sam Collins, in the most important football year of their lives.

Sam Collins is heading off to Melbourne later this week to take part in the 2019 NAB AFL All Stars Futures match at the MCG as an AFL Grand Final curtain raiser Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

TASMANIAN young gun Sam Collins should have been elevating his chances for AFL selection this year – instead he has been left benched through no fault of his own.

The Devils running defender from North Hobart, alongside midfielder Oliver Davis (Clarence) and key forward Jackson Callow (North Launceston) are considered the state’s best chances at this year’s draft.

Now the trio and the rest of the Devils under new coach Cameron Joyce are indefinitely sidelined for many their most important football year of their lives due to the coronavirus crisis.

“It has always been my dream to get to the next level,” Collins, 18, said.

“I look at a few of my mates that have been picked up in the last few years and seeing them get through the system has been unreal and a real driving factor.

“Then for this to come up during my draft year and my final year of (school) exams has been a little bit difficult to grasp.

“It is just something I’ve got to manage and it is the same with the other boys in the program.

“What we are hoping is we can get just a few games in and if we get that opportunity, really make the most of it.”

Tasmania Devils Sam Collins during the game against Sandringham Dragons Invermay Park. PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

Thrown into the confusion is speculation that AFL squads could be cut, reducing the number of draft selections this year, or delaying or even cancelling this year’s draft.

“It is going to be difficult to sort that out but it is out of our control,” the Guilford Young year 12 student said.

“It is devastating this had to happen this year and it makes it harder get to the next level.

“I just have to approach it like another challenge and try to prove we are good enough. A lot of people have told me if you are good enough, they will get you to that next level.

“Whether it is this year or next year, we are just going to have to hang in there and keep working.”

Collins can at least train with twin brother Will, who is in his first year with the Devils while having a break from cricket, in three set sessions a week.

He said the Devils had much to prove this season after an underwhelming first year back full time in the NAB League.

“I think the Devils needed this year to come back from last year,” Collins said.

“It is hard that we can’t go out and prove to everyone we have changed and we can produce some really good, consistent footy.”