Footy’s favourite farmer: Bridgewater’s Andy Collins takes farm safety seriously

A former AFL player back on the family farm could be in the running for a $10k work safety prize. Here’s how you can also put your hand up.

Former Richmond and Carlton footballer Andy Collins is all in on workplace safety on the farm.

Collins, who also coached Bridgewater to two flags in the Loddon Valley upon his return to the country in the mid-2010s, operates a cropping and sheep farm west of Bendigo where safety is paramount.

“You’re aware of different dangers every time you step out the door,” he said.

“Having young kids now you’re even more aware of the dangers of doing basic tasks on the farm.”

Bridgewater North’s Andy Collins, his son Freddie, 2, and others on the farm where workplace safety is of utmost importance. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Collins could be a contender in the search for footy’s favourite farmer being conducted by WorkSafe.

The farmer judged to be footy’s favourite farmer will receive $10,000 towards safety improvements on their farm and another $10,000 will go towards safety improvements at the club they play for.

The competition can be entered at www.countryclubhub.com.au with entrants needing to explain in 50 words or less why someone like Collins should be crowned the inaugural winner announced in September.

Andy Collins played 25 matches for Richmond and another 11 at Carlton before returning to his Bridgewater North farm.

Collins was drafted by Richmond in 2006 and played 25 matches with the Tigers and a further 11 at Carlton.

He coached Bridgewater to back-to-back flags in 2014-15 and played in another in 2016 as a part of a record streak of seven successive premierships.

Collins also played and coached at his junior club Sandhurst in the Bendigo league before returning to Bridgewater last year.

The club is in finals contention this season, but has lost to flag fancies Pyramid Hill and Marong in the last two games.

“We’ve got a good young side and we’re building our way up the ladder nicely,” he said.