Collins confident after returning from injury

League player William Collins returned to the game a month ago after surgery.

In the last week of preseason Collins was tackled and broke his collarbone during training, requiring surgery just days later.

Collins was lucky enough to receive the operation early and start his recovery process as soon as possible.

“I wasn’t really nervous for the surgery, just frustrated about the injury,” Collins said.

“The sooner you have surgery the sooner recovery can start.”

“I’m so grateful to have the operation when I did.”

Collins is no stranger to injuries, sustaining concussions, hamstring and foot injuries throughout his football career.

He returned to the sport and worked on his skills to make sure he is ready to go for the rest of the season.

“In theory my collarbone is stronger than before with the plate,” Collins said.

“I’m pretty happy with how it has all gone.”

His collarbone injury is so far out of Collin’s mind he recently had an MRI and forgot to tell them about the metal plate in his collarbone.

After all of his injuries, he often gets asked if he is going to quit playing football.

“I tell them it hadn’t even crossed my mind,” Collins said.

“Injury is one of the risks that come with playing.”

Collins began playing at Swan Districts Football Club at 14 years old and aspired to play competitive football like other kids his age.

He never really thought he would continue playing and play for the league team.

“It just happened and I’m really glad it did,” Collins said.

When he was injured this season, the biggest thing Collins missed out on was playing with his team mates and friends.

“I cherish the friends and relationships from being in the team,” Collins said.

“Working towards a shared goal is so fulfilling.”

“I love being involved in what is going on and maintaining and making new connections with teammates and the community at the club.”

The men’s league team had high hopes for this season after playing in the finals last year.

“It is frustrating to not perform the way we could,” Collins said.

“We are focusing on staying true to ourselves, what we can control and playing the way we want to play.”

“Morale is good, all of the boys love being down at the club.”

Collins said morale is high and the team enjoys being down at the club through each other’s highs and lows.

“There is more to football than winning and losing.”