Collins was recruited as a mature age player to Fremantle with their third selection, 55th overall, in the 2015 AFL draft.
[10] He won the Werribee Football Club Best and Fairest in 2018, was named in the VFL team of the year and came equal third in the JJ Liston Trophy, awarded to the competitions best player.
The Gold Coast signed Collins as a mature aged state-league concession prior to the 2018 AFL draft, and will play for the club from 2019 onwards.
[13] Collins won his second Club Champion award in 2024,[14] after another strong season which saw him named in the 44 man All Australian Squad.
[15] Notes Sam's father, Kevin Collins, has an extensive background in playing and coaching football.