12 Facts About Lance Collins

Lance Kitchener Collins was a leading Australian rules footballer of the 1940s, playing for Carlton Football Club in the Victorian Football League.

Lance Collins led Coburg to the 1941 VFA Grand Final where they lost to Port Melbourne by 19 points.

Lance Collins played nine games in 1942, kicking 13 goals, and had played a further seven games, kicking 16 goals in 1943 before enlisting in the Australian Army on 22 June 1943.

Lance Collins was posted to 53 Australian Bulk Issues Petroleum and Oil Depot Platoon, gaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Lance Collins kicked six goals in their Round 10 match against North Melbourne, which was said to "galvanise the side" and led ultimately to the 1945 premiership.

Lance Collins continued to play well throughout the season in either the forward line or on the ball and, known as a big game player, Lance Collins was particularly important for Carlton in the 1945 finals series.

Lance Collins kicked eight goals in the first Semi-Final against North Melbourne and four goals in the Preliminary Final against Collingwood.

Lance Collins lined up on a half forward flank for Carlton's victory in the 1945 VFL Grand Final but tore tendons in his ankle early in the first quarter and, although he remained on the ground with his ankle strapped, played little further part in the match before being replaced at half-time.

Club leading goalkicker in 1945 with 49 goals, Lance Collins retired from VFL football to accept a coaching position with Tasmanian Football League side Sandy Bay, which he took to a premiership in 1946.

Lance Collins later accepted a coaching position with Ballarat Football League side Golden Point Football Club.

At Golden Point there is evidence that Lance Collins invented the checkside punt during the late 1940s, two decades before it was first used in the VFL.

Lance Collins was named vice-captain in Coburg's Team of the Century.