Gold Coast SUNS Vice Captain Sam Collins is ready to bring 100% for Victoria in this weekend’s AAMI AFL Origin, taking the opportunity as both an honour to represent his state and another chance for pre-season preparation.

After the surprise of being a late addition to the team, the key defender is excited for the opportunity to represent his home state and play alongside some of the game’s best players.

“I’m absolutely stoked, I certainly didn't think I would be getting the call up,” said Collins speaking on SEN Melbourne.

“Definitely a bit of a shock.

“It’s exciting. It’s going to be really interesting to kind of pick the brains of some other guys.”

This week’s AAMI AFL Origin game comes with under three weeks to go until the SUNS’ season opener in Opening Round at People First Stadium. Question is in the air as to whether players might hold back, however Collins sees the game as a chance to further prepare for the fast-approaching season.

“Everyone’s kind of building for the real stuff but I think this is a part of the process to go through,” said Collins.

“Yeah you might not play 100% game time, but when you’re on there, you’re going absolute full noise and I think that’s the best way to prepare.

“When I go, I'm usually operating at 100% where possible, so yeah, I don’t see why it’s any different.”

For the two-time SUNS Club Champion, being selected to represent Victoria is also a great opportunity to learn from other skilful players in the league.

“There's a wealth of knowledge and there's a lot of talent on the field,” said the defender.

“The experience of being in the environment with other AFL players who are at the top of their game, it's pretty cool to experience.

“To see how some of the more attacking halfbacks are going to play the game and the way that the decisions they make in the game is going to be maybe something I can bring back to some of my teammates.”