The Gold Coast SUNS have signed their final mature age state-league player as part of the Special Assistance provided by the AFL Commission.

Former Fremantle Docker turned Werribee defender Sam Collins will become a SUN after starring in the VFL this year, finishing equal-third in the VFL’s JJ Liston medal for the competition’s best and fairest.

Collins is a 194cm intercepting key defender who was drafted in 2015 and played 14 games with Fremantle before being delisted at the end of 2017.

For the 2018 season, Collins signed with VFL club Werribee where he played 18 games to win the club’s best and fairest.

SUNS GM – List & Strategy Craig Cameron said Collins would give the club some more defensive depth.

“We’re excited to be able to announce Sam as our final state-league player,” Cameron said.

“Sam has really impressed us with his form, has great character and is excited to help drive our young club forward.

“The special assistance provided by the AFL allows us to maintain a strong hand at the draft, to secure top end talent, but also allows us to add much needed experience to our list in 2019.”

Collins will join former Werribee teammate Josh Corbett and West Adelaide’s Chris Burgess as the SUNS’ three state-league prospects for 2019.