[4] Collins played mostly as a half back flanker and was a strong marker of the ball.

Playing on the half-forward flank, he was one of the 20 who played for Essendon in its first VFL match against Geelong, at Corio Oval, on 8 May 1897: Jim Anderson, Edward "Son" Barry, Arthur Cleghorn, Tod Collins, Jim Darcy, Charlie Forbes, Johnny Graham, Joe Groves, George Hastings, Ted Kinnear, George Martin, Bob McCormick, Pat O'Loughlin, Gus Officer, Ned Officer, Bert Salkeld, George Stuckey, George Vautin, Norman Waugh, and Harry Wright.

[5] Collins was a member of the inaugural VFL premiership side with Essendon in 1897.

During his career he was chosen to represent the Victoria interstate team, appearing in games against South Australia in 1900, 1901 and 1902.

In 1906 he became captain-coach of Victorian Football Association club Preston,[6][7] but retired five games into the season.