Colin Sylvia

D.O.B:
8 November 1985
Club:    
Melbourne
Honours:  
2003 NAB AFL Draft Pick No. 3
2004 AFL Debut
2005 NAB AFL Rising Star Nominee
2010 100 AFL Games
2011 International Rules Team

The Number 3 draft pick in 2003, Colin was recruited from Merbein and has since been a regular in the Melbourne seniors, playing 16 of the first 17 games in 2005 but missed the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury.
Colin missed 5 games early in the 2006 season before returning to make a significant contribution to the Demons, playing 17 games; averaging 13 disposals and increasing his tackle count considerably in comparison to 2005. He continued to improve his development at senior level in 2007, playing 16 games and contributing solidly to the cause.

After a solid pre-season, Colin played his most impressive football throughout the 2009 season, illustrating why he was a number 3 draft pick. Coach Dean Bailey praised his efforts after their round nine match against the Hawks, by stating it was Sylvia’s best AFL match. Although the Demons went down by 22 points, Sylvia was best on ground with a career-high 37 disposals and four goals, including three in a row during the third quarter.  Sylvia concluded the season with a total of 17 games and came equal fifth in Melbourne’s Best & Fairest Award with a total of 44 votes.

Colin enjoyed playing in 15 games for the 2010 season, celebrating 100 games in round 19 and becoming the seventh demon on the 2010 list to reach the ton. Colin has been an incredibly influential member of the Melbourne side and averaged 22 disposals through the 2010 season, with a highlight being the 31 he earned in round 18 over Brisbane.

The 2011 season saw Colin play some fantastic football, particularly against Richmond in Round 22 where he earned 29 disposals and kicked five goals. Colin ended the season with another  19 matches and 25 goals under his belt.

Colin had a slow start to the 2012 season missing the first round through a club imposed suspension and with subsequent games missed through injury. Colin returned in round 13 against GWS and hasn’t looked back, having an outstanding second half to 2012. He had a season high 34 disposals in Melbourne's round 22 loss to Adelaide  at the MCG and averaged just under a goal a game for the 17 games that he played in.

Colin’s pace, strength and clean hands means he has the potential to be an unstoppable opponent. A dedicated pre season will mean that Colin can give himself the best opportunity to achieve some explosive form he is capable of in 2013.