Young midfielder Sam Iles spoke to CTV after returning to the side against St Kilda and making a significant contribution in what was a remarkable win.
The 20-year-old from Clarence in Tasmania, who played four matches in his debut season of 2006 after being selected in the 2005 pre-season draft, has been knocking on the door all season with a series of excellent performances for the club’s VFL affiliate Williamstown.
He has, however, found it hard breaking into the Collingwood line-up, even with strong and consistent form for Williamstown, having managed just the one senior game (against Carlton in round seven) while being emergency on a staggering nine occasions, before last weekend.
No one could argue his recall wasn’t well earned, but instead of simply making up the numbers and being satisfied with senior selection, Iles made sure he made his appearance count.
“It was actually good to be out there and, I suppose, contribute, rather than just be out there,” Iles said at Buckley’s Brigade super clinic attended by hundreds of young Collingwood members on Tuesday.
“I’ve been an emergency quite a few times and I just couldn’t break into the side. I had the one crack against Carlton and came back out, so it was good to get a crack against St Kilda.”
His impressive 19-possession, four-tackle effort in the soggy conditions was highlighted by a series of pressure kicks which hit targets, as well as a strong mark and shot at goal which Dale Thomas crumbed and goaled from as the Magpies came back from 21-points down in the last quarter.
“At the end of the game it was just the best feeling, a come from behind win, and to actually play a role in the team like that.”
Now, with that effort behind him, Iles is hopeful of keeping his place in the side for Saturday’s blockbuster with the top-of-the-ladder Cats at the MCG, knowing that it was important for him to prove himself against the Saints.
“Obviously we’ve got a bigger game this week against Geelong.
“Hopefully I keep my spot and step that up again and try and have an impact individually for the rest of the year.
“I suppose it was a bit like I had to try and prove myself and show the coaches and my team mates that I could play.”
Sam Iles at the Buckley's Brigade super clinic on Tuesday
