Mature-age recruit Sam Collins is set to make his debut in Fremantle’s clash with St Kilda on Saturday.
Senior coach Ross Lyon said Collins had put in strong performances at the WAFL level so far in 2016, and Lyon said the 196cm defender has come highly regarded from fellow Freo coaches.
“Roger Hayden (development coach) was a really strong advocate for Sam Collins,” Lyon said.
“He’s a tall back, a strong defender who’s played at a good level with Box Hill (VFL), he’s been in good systems and has great character.
“It’s exciting and he’s worked hard for the opportunity.”
Collins is another addition to an exciting list of young Freo players who have made their debut in the past year.
2015 saw the debuts of Alex Pearce, Lachie Weller, Ed Langdon, Brady Grey Ethan Hughes and Connor Blakely.
Pearce has developed into a reliable key defender, while Lachie Weller has played every game in 2016 and Langdon, Grey, Hughes and Blakely have received senior selections this year after strong performances at the WAFL level.
Collins will be Freo’s second debutant of 2016, with Darcy Tucker making his debut against Carlton in round five.
