Don Cockatoo-Collins
Melbourne
AFL career
9 games3 goals
- Debut
- R1 1996 v GEE29 Mar 1996
- Most recent
- R16 1998 v FRE18 July 1998
Stats
Bio
Recruited from the Port Adelaide Magpies with pick 11 in the 1995 National Draft, Don Cockatoo-Collins arrived at Melbourne with high expectations as the younger brother of Essendon star Che and the twin of fellow Demon recruit David. The Demons selected Don in the first round partly to reunite the twins, reportedly honouring a commitment to the family that the brothers would not be separated interstate. A talented running defender who could also play as a creative forward, he possessed the natural flair and silky skills associated with his lineage, but his time at the elite level was severely hampered by persistent fitness issues. His momentum was repeatedly stalled by setbacks, culminating in a broken wrist during the 1999 pre-season that wiped out his entire final year at the club. Unable to string consistent games together, he was delisted after just nine senior appearances, leaving the AFL as an undeniable talent who never received a clear run at the level.
Profile
- Full name
- Donald Cockatoo-Collins
- Born
- 01 Apr 1978 (age 48y 204d)
- Height
- 182 cm
- Weight
- 79 kg
Teams
Family
- Brother:Che Cockatoo-Collins
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from the Port Adelaide Magpies with pick 11 in the 1995 National Draft, Don Cockatoo-Collins arrived at Melbourne with high expectations as the younger brother of Essendon star Che and the twin of fellow Demon recruit David. The Demons selected Don in the first round partly to reunite the twins, reportedly honouring a commitment to the family that the brothers would not be separated interstate. A talented running defender who could also play as a creative forward, he possessed the natural flair and silky skills associated with his lineage, but his time at the elite level was severely hampered by persistent fitness issues. His momentum was repeatedly stalled by setbacks, culminating in a broken wrist during the 1999 pre-season that wiped out his entire final year at the club. Unable to string consistent games together, he was delisted after just nine senior appearances, leaving the AFL as an undeniable talent who never received a clear run at the level.