Australian Football

After playing initially with Yarraville, where his father Jim had been captain-coach in 1918-19 before embarking on a VFL career with Essendon, Jack Collins joined Footscray in 1950. During his debut season he played a number of games at centre half back, but it was ultimately as a key position forward that he made his name. Powerful overhead, and a tremendously accurate kick over long distances, he topped the VFL's goal kicking list on two occasions, and the Bulldogs' on five. His best season was 1954, when he amassed a personal record tally of 84 goals, the last 7 of which helped his club to a 51-point Grand Final defeat of Melbourne.

A regular VFL interstate representative, Collins also won Footscray's club champion award twice. His older brother Alan had earlier played with great success for both Yarraville and Footscray, as well as representing the 'Big V'. After his retirement as a player, Jack Collins continued his association with the Bulldogs by serving on the club committee, initially as secretary, and later as president.

Author - John Devaney