The ability to test himself against the four-pronged attack of St Kilda provided a great learning experience for Fremantle first-gamer Sam Collins.
 
The big-bodied defender was welcomed to AFL football by consistently matching up on dangerous Saints’ forwards Paddy McCartin, Nick Riewoldt, Josh Bruce and Tim Membrey.
 
Collins said he had embraced the challenge and learned a lot from debuting against high quality opposition.
 
“They’re awesome players so to face them was a good experience,” Collins said.

Crozier credits youth
 
“No matter who I was playing on they were always running me around into the dangerous spots so I had to concentrate all the time.
 
“I’ll have a look at the tape and see what I can learn from that.”
 
While Collins said the step up from WAFL to AFL competition was always going to be a challenge, he credited his time playing for Peel Thunder as a key to helping him transition into the Freo lineup.
 
“Obviously it was a step up from the WAFL,” he said.
 
“There’s a lot more running and reliance on structures is pivotal, so if you go away from that you’re going to get hurt.

Match report: Saints rally for win
 
“The 10 weeks in the WAFL was really beneficial in terms of knowing where everyone’s going, getting used to the game plan and trusting that your teammates are going to be there for you.”
 
Collins said that while he enjoyed his first taste of AFL football, he would closely inspect his game and look to improve next week.
 
“I made a few skill errors tonight and maybe didn’t make the best decisions at times but I’ll focus on that and get it right.
 
“I look forward to having another crack next week.”

Does Sam Collins get your votes for the Freo Fans' MVP?