Australian Football

Lance Collins commenced his senior football career with Coburg in 1935 and was soon earning glowing mentions in dispatches. A high impact player equally capable of playing in any forward position or as a centreman he allegedly spurned numerous approaches from VFL clubs who presumably saw him as a ready made League footballer.

During his time with Coburg Collins played 98 VFA games and kicked 432 goals. In 1936 he booted a club record 116 goals for the season while in 1941 he was club best and fairest. In 1940 and 1941 he captain-coached the side, steering them as far as a losing grand final clash with Port Melbourne in the latter year. He also played representative football for the Association.

In 1942 the VFA suspended its competition because of the war and Collins accepted an offer to play in the VFL with Carlton. His time with the Blues was brief but noteworthy. The last of his 33 games for the club was the 1945 grand final in which Carlton accounted for South Melbourne. The match had bitter-sweet connotations for Collins as he injured an ankle early in the opening term leaving him effectively crippled; he was replaced at half time.

In 1946 Lance Collins relocated to Hobart and captain-coached Sandy Bay to a premiership in only its second season in the TFL. He later coached Golden Point of the Ballarat Football League.

Collins was included in the Coburg Football Club’s official ‘Team of the Century’ on a half forward flank. He was also named vice captain.

Author - John Devaney