Fremantle draftee Sam Collins was that convinced he wasn’t going to be picked in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, he went out for dinner with mates on Tuesday night.
 
While driving home, the group were listening to the broadcast when it arrived at Fremantle’s third selection pick number 55.
 
“We pulled up in the driveway and my name was read out,” Collins told fremantlefc.com.au.
 
The 21-year-old from Box Hill Hawks in the VFL said despite a consistent year he had hoped to be selected in Friday’s 2015 NAB AFL Pre-Season and Rookie Draft.

Pick 55 - Sam Collins
 
“I didn’t have any expectations that I would go tonight, I was hopeful for a gig on Friday,” he said.
 
“I’m absolutely stoked, it was a massive surprise.
 
“I really didn’t expect it.”
 
Collins said he quickly ran inside to his greet his parents.
 
“I came inside the house, mum and dad were watching the draft on television, they were pretty excited for me to get this opportunity,” he said.

 Sam Collins with his family on Tuesday night.

Collins played under-18s with the Oakleigh Chargers, before joining Box Hill and joining the club’s leadership group at just 19.
 
He had to bide his time, but had a breakout 2015 season.
 
His dream was always to play AFL.
 
“Every kid wants to play footy,” he said.
 
“I’ve had to work hard to get here but I’m glad I got the opportunity.”
 
Fremantle general manager of player management Brad Lloyd said Collins was on the club’s radar for a number of years.
 
“At 194cm, he can play an important role for us,” he said.
 
“He can spoil the footy well and is very disciplined.”