Fremantle Dockers defender Sam Collins relished the opportunity to play against AFL competition in Peel Thunder’s clash with East Perth on Saturday.

Collins was matched up on the 197cm, 96kg frame of West Coast player Fraser McInnes and kept the key forward goalless, while also gathering 18 possessions of his own.

The mature-age recruit saw plenty of quality competition in his time at Box Hill in the VFL, and said it was great to be able to play on other AFL-listed players. 

“In coming over from the VFL we’re not playing on AFL opponents as often, with the alignment, only East Perth,” Collins said.

“It was great to play on a bigger bodied forward (McInnes), and a team who potentially has some good movement and ball users.” 

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In addition to the challenge presented by East Perth last Saturday, Collins said he’d continue to push himself during Peel Thunder’s bye week.

“The schedule will be a bit different this week, we’ll have two main training sessions with the AFL team and an extra training on Sunday,” he said.

“It’s important that we get the most out of that and get the run into the legs and focus on Claremont in two weeks time.”

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While Collins said he was happy with his consistency at the WAFL level, he maintained that he must continue to improve aspects of his game.

“Personally, I think I’ve played some pretty consistent footy, so I’m happy with how I’m doing,” he said.

“(My skills) have improved a bit since last year, but there’s definitely still a bit of growth there.

“It’s something I’ll continue to focus on through the season and hopefully nail it by the end of the year.”