COCKATOO-COLLINS, Che

Che Cockatoo-Collins came to Essendon in 1994 and immediately had some big shoes to fill. In the 1994 pre-season, Michael Long suffered a knee injury that would keep him out for the year, and many thought that Cockatoo-Collins was the player to replace Long. This was a tall order given Long had just won the Norm Smith medal for best on ground in the 1993 Grand Final, but Cockatoo-Collins Che didn't let anyone down. In his first three games he kicked eight goals and continued to impress, kicking goals in all but two of his 16 games that year.

He was nominated for 1994 Norwich Rising Star and played in the 1994 night premiership. As it seems with nearly all Indigenous players that come to Essendon, Cockatoo-Collins played with a flair that thrilled the crowd. He had a disrupted 1995 season owing to the death of his mother and then suffered an hamstring injury in Round 20 that cut his season short. But he had played some fine games all the same.

Cockatoo-Collins started brilliantly in 1996, and was easily the best player for the Lightning Premiership series, which Essendon won. His form was good throughout the year, and he looked to be an important part of the future of the Club.

But his form dropped off and he had a disappointing 1997, kicking only 17 goals in 17 games. He was traded back to his old club in 1998.

He had several good years with Port Adelaide, except 2000 which was ruined by injury, but his form fell away and he was delisted at the end of the 2003 season after 75 games.

He played with Port Adelaide's SANFL team until 2006, then from 2007 to 2007, he played for United in the Adelaide Plains Football League.

He had a small role in the 2005 Australian movie Look Both Ways starring William McInnes and Justine Clarke.

The "Cockatoo" part of his name comes from his Cape York maternal great-great-grandfather who was known as "Old Man Cockatoo".

Che's younger twin brothers played a few games for Melbourne; Donald played nine (1996-1998) and David played two (1996-1997). His nephew, Nakia Cockatoo, played for Brisbane.