The Gold Coast SUNS are thrilled to announce that key defender Sam Collins has extended his contract until the end of the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

After last week being appointed to the club’s leadership group for 2020, the 25-year-old has committed his playing future to the SUNS.

Collins highlighted the positive environment around him as a key factor in making his decision.

“I’m very excited to have committed to the SUNS for a further two years,” Collins said.

“The last couple of pre-seasons I’ve seen firsthand some of the changes that have happened around the club and all the boys are buying into the program.

“It’s an exciting time to be involved, we’ve got a group of players who are keen to work hard and eager to improve.

“The club gave me an opportunity at the end of 2018 and I’m looking forward to giving as much back to the Gold Coast as I can, both on and off the field.”

Collins played in the first nine games of 2019 before succumbing to a hip injury that saw him miss the remainder of the season.

After being drafted to Fremantle ahead of the 2016 AFL Season, Collins has had an incredible journey.

Ahead of the 2018 VFL season, he joined the Werribee Football Club before being given a second opportunity in the AFL at the Gold Coast SUNS.

Many people have helped him along the journey but Collins made a special effort to thank some of those closest to him.

“My family have always been there to pick up the pieces when I haven’t been myself, or if I’m down on confidence so I can’t thank them enough,” he said.

“Also, Josh Drummond and Nick Malceski our defensive coaches have put the time into me to make sure I’m ready to go at the level.

“They’ve given me the confidence to play my role know my opponent, but also to work on the areas of my game that I need to work on, a lot of credit has to go to them.”

Collins joins a list of 26 players that have committed to the club in the past 15 months.