As mentors go, they don’t get much better than Easton Wood.

And ever since Kieran Collins arrived at the Club in November as member of the 2015 draft class, it’s been the reigning Sutton Medallist who has taken the 18-year-old key defensive prospect under his wing.

“He’s been a really big help,” Collins told foxfooty.com.au at the AFLPA’s induction camp.

“You pick on up his professionalism and the way he goes about it.

“Also the things he does off the field, as well as on it.

“The way he trains, he looks to get the most out of himself and those around him.”

After being selected in the 29 man squad to go to Canberra to take on the Greater Western Sydney Giants in the Club’s first NAB Challenge match, there’s every chance that Collins lines up alongside the Bulldogs newly appointed vice-captain for the first time.

Whether Collins makes the final side on Thursday night or not, the key defensive prospect said that he’d been encouraged by coach Luke Beveridge’s policy of playing young players throughout the season if they’d earnt their spot.

“He told me to take every opportunity I get and really look to work hard, he said.

“One message I’ve got from him is that if you’re fit and you’re playing good football, they’ll play you.

“I’m really looking to get the most out of it.”

Beveridge himself told media on Tuesday that the former Dandenong Stingray had impressed over the summer, but as for when the 193cm, 94kg prospect might play his first game, Collins was philosophical. 

“Once the games start, I’ll be looking to play when I’m needed.

“Hopefully I’ll play Round 1, but whenever will be nice.”