Former Hawk and three-time premiership player Andrew Collins will make a welcome return to Waverley Park, coming on board as Hawthorn’s Head of Development ahead of season 2022.   

Andrew ‘Collo’ Collins brings a strong coaching resume to the Hawks having previously coached VFL sides Williamstown and Sandringham to premierships, as well as spending six years in charge of SANFL team West Adelaide. 

In season 2021 Collins held the position of Senior Assistant Coach at Hawthorn VFL affiliate Box Hill, where he worked closely alongside newly appointed Hawthorn Senior Coach, Sam Mitchell.  

Collins is no stranger to the brown and gold fold, achieving 212 games, three premierships, a Peter Crimmins Medal and state honours across his 10-season playing tenure from 1987 – 1996. 

Some good news yesterday and Moore good news today!

Head of Football Rob McCartney highlighted Collins’ exceptional coaching background and his ability to develop younger playing groups.   

“Andy is a welcome addition to Hawthorn’s coaching line-up, coming to the club with broad career experiences in coaching, teaching and high performance sport,” McCartney said. 

“He has a proven ability to nurture and develop emerging football talent and will be a remarkable asset to our younger players as they continue to grow on-and-off field. 

“Andy’s expertise and experience will not be limited to our players as we see him playing a key role in supporting coaches and staff across both our men’s and women’s football programs.  

“We’re thrilled and eagerly excited to welcome Andy back to Hawthorn.” 

Collins will commence his role as Head of Development when Hawthorn’s football department return for pre-season training in November.