Ian Collins (footballer)


Ian "Collo" Collins AM is a former Australian rules footballer and is now a high-profile businessman.

Playing career

Playing for the Carlton Football Club in the Victorian Football League between 1961–1971 he was part of the 1968 premiership side but missed the entire 1970 premiership winning season due to an achilles injury. He returned in 1971. Collins played as a tough back-pocket player in the back line and was recruited from Sale.

Administration ventures

Collins became the Carlton Football Club's executive director following his coaching stint with Port Melbourne in the VFA, and, in 1993, became the Australian Football League's Director of Football Operations.
Collins became the president of the Carlton Football Club following John Elliott's departure in late 2002, and he also currently is the CEO of Etihad Stadium.
On 13 April 2006, Collins announced he would be stepping down as president of the Carlton Football Club due to ill health. He was replaced by Graham Smorgon.