With his size and mature demeanour, it is hard to believe that Kieran Collins is just 17 years old and has only been a Bulldog for a bit over two weeks.

At 195 cm and 95 kgs, you suspect not much fazes him on the footy field, but as is the case with most new draftees, he is still settling in to his new football home.

“It was a bit daunting at first going through all of the screenings and stuff like that, but I’ve really enjoyed it.  The boys are making me feel welcome and I’m loving every minute of it. “

Collins said that the intensity of the training of the track has been a step up in comparison to what he is used to, but if there’s one thing he isn’t afraid of it’s hard work.  

That was the theme when the Dandenong Stingrays product faced the media on Thursday morning alongside fellow draftees, Josh Dunkley, Marcus Adams and Bailey Williams.

“I’m looking to develop my game in terms of improving on my weaknesses, and other areas, like improving my endurance and developing my defensive skills as a key defender.

“[At] that that next level, the players are bigger, stronger and, I guess, better footballers as well.  I’ve got to look to put the work in over preseason, make the most of it now and get the best out of it. “

As to whether he can play in round one, he’ll be ready if called up.

“If I put the work in over preseason, and I get selected, I like to think I’m ready.

“I see myself as  key defender but whatever role Bevo needs me to play I’ll be ready to play.”