Andy Collins will coach a team of the Peter Jackson VFL’s best players in the 2016 state game against the SANFL at Adelaide Oval on Sunday May 29.
The reigning premiership coach of Williamstown has coached teams in both leagues and may find himself plotting to take down some of his former players from West Adelaide, where he coached from 2008-13.
The SANFL - to be coached by Graham Cornes - has had the VFL’s measure in their last three encounters in 2005, 2008 and most recently by 22 points at North Port Oval in 2014. The VFL last defeated the SANFL in 2002 at Adelaide Oval.
Collins, a triple premiership player with Hawthorn in 212 AFL games from 1987-96, has experienced state of origin football as a player for Victoria and knows what the ‘Big V’ jumper means to those who wear it.
“Every player that plays this game, they’ll understand the importance of the jumper and the importance of representing their competition,” Collins said.
“As a former SANFL coach, I have enormous respect for those South Australian footballers and the competition. That’s why I’m so honoured to coach this VFL group –because I really admire the SANFL as well.”
The VFL team will have access to extra knowledge of the opposition through two-time Norwood premiership captain and current Northern Blues player Kieran McGuinness, who will be an assistant coach to Collins.
The Vics expect the Croweaters to provide a physical encounter with their big, strong bodies coming to the fore. Collins said that belief was based on the SANFL only allowing 21 players per side on match day and introducing a limit of 50 interchanges per team per game this year.
Conversely, the VFL – with unlimited interchanges as well as umpires that officiate matches in a similar style to the AFL – tended to produce more “free flowing” football that could prove an advantage on the wide expanses of Adelaide Oval.
“It’s a really big oval and I think both teams will need to choose really mobile, athletic teams,” Collins said.
“You’ve definitely got to be fit and be able to run across the deck. Port Adelaide and Adelaide showed that in the AFL – to play Adelaide Oval well, you’ve got to be a good athlete.
“Myself and Kieran McGuinness feel we’ll understand our opposition, but shutting them down and keeping them quiet will be another thing because we respect their talent.”
Collins wouldn’t be drawn on which VFL stars might be in the frame for selection, declaring only that the coaches would pick a “really in-form team and not one based on reputation”.
As for the task of bringing together talented players from different clubs without a lot of preparation before game day, Collins will refer to his time as a player.
“I was fortunate to play a fair bit of state footy and there’s not a lot of direction you need to give high quality players,” he said. “There’s usually a real intelligence to the best footballers, whether it’s AFL, state league or local league.
“It’s just about us getting together in that week prior to the game and getting the players to express themselves. Their intelligence as footballers will really shine through, and that’s one thing I absolutely guarantee.
“I remember my own experiences – we didn’t have to train that often but we jelled as a Victorian team because we understood the importance of wearing the jumper and who we represented.”
Last Modified on 18/02/2016 11:32