Norm Collins Explained

Norm Collins
Fullname:Norman Charles Collins
Birth Date:7 May 1904
Birth Place:Malvern
Death Date:[1]
Death Place:Glen Iris, Victoria
Originalteam:Fitzroy Juniors
Height:173 cm
Weight:68 kg
Statsend:1933
Years1:1924–25
Club1:Fitzroy
Games Goals1:4 (1)
Years2:1926–27, 1929–31
Club2:Carlton
Games Goals2:57 (14)
Years3:1931–33
Club3:Hawthorn
Games Goals3:31 (0)
Games Goalstotal:92 (15)

Norman Charles Collins (7 May 1904 – 29 August 1933) was an Australian rules footballer who played with Fitzroy, Carlton and Hawthorn in the Victorian Football League (VFL).[2]

Football

Fitzroy (VFL)

Born in Malvern, Collins played his junior football for Fitzroy and in 1924 made his VFL debut, alongside his elder brother Goldie. Another brother, Harry, had also played at Fitzroy but was killed in 1918 while fighting in France.

Fitzroy had won a premiership in 1922.

Carlton (VFL)

As Collins found it difficult to break into the team, he transferred to Carlton after two seasons.[3]

He was used initially at Carlton as a centreman but after sitting out of the 1928 VFL season the position had been taken up by new recruit Colin Martyn, he left and was captain coach of Daylesford in 1928.[4]

When he returned in 1929, the former Fitzroy player was tried as a half forward flanker, rover and defender. He played finals that year, kicking two goals in Carlton's losing Preliminary Final team. However, he soon found himself out of favour and missed selection in the 1930 finals series and played only once in 1931.[5]

Hawthorn (VFL)

Collins crossed to Hawthorn during the 1931 season where he played as a defender. He filled in as Hawthorn's captain on occasion. He retired in 1933, citing an inability to strike form.

Death

Just two months after making his last appearance for Hawthorn Collins committed suicide.[6]

References

Notes and References

  1. News: Family Notices . The Age . 24,456 . Victoria, Australia . 30 August 1933 . 1.
  2. Holmesby & Main (2014), p.170.
  3. Web site: Norm Collins – Player Bio. Australian Football. 14 August 2015.
  4. Web site: 1928 - Collins To Coach Daylesford . The Sun News-Pictorial (Melbourne, Vic. : 1922 - 1954; 1956) . 13 June 2024 . 26 . 20 March 1928.
  5. Web site: Norm Collins. AFL Tables.
  6. News: LEAGUE PLAYER FOUND HANGED . The Herald . 17,563 . Victoria, Australia . 29 August 1933 . 1.