Collins Bounces Back as MK Dons Near Promotion

After joining MK Dons from Bolton, Aaron Collins was expected to excel in Sky Bet League Two, given his impressive performance in the 2024/25 season, where he scored 19 goals and provided five assists in 55 games across all competitions. Following a medical in Dubai after an off-season holiday, Collins arrived as the Dons' club-record signing, with a reported £800,000 fee. However, his debut was marred by an injury, as he broke his shoulder in the first game of the season against Oldham on August 2. "I broke my shoulder, which was frustrating, especially since it should have been a penalty," Collins says. "I played on, thinking I'd just jarred it, but an x-ray confirmed the break, putting me out for six to eight weeks. "It was disheartening, as I was ready for the new season and wanted to play a significant role. Instead, I sat out for six league games and the Carabao Cup first-round defeat to Bristol City. Upon his return as a substitute in the 1-1 draw away at Chesterfield on September 13, Collins scored in a 5-1 Vertu Trophy defeat to West Ham's U21s three days later. However, he pulled his hamstring in a training session and was sidelined for another two months. "I'd never experienced an injury that kept me out for more than a game or two, so it was mentally draining," he says. "But I got to put myself in other people's shoes who had been through similar situations, and it was refreshing to understand their feelings. "Collins' first league start since the opening day came against Harrogate five days before Christmas, and he marked the occasion with a double in a 4-0 win. "The excitement returned, and I thought it was time to kick on and show why I'm here," he adds. By mid-February, Collins had been fit and available for the best part of three months. However, he suffered an ankle ligament injury in a 1-0 victory over former club Newport on February 14. "It wasn't nice; it felt like something was trying to take the season away from me," he says. "But thankfully, I only missed two games and had 10 days out. I've worked hard to keep the swelling and pain away, and it's feeling good. Now, I'm focused on making up for the time I missed. "The main thing is being back in the starting lineup; I feel I can affect the game more when I'm starting. I'm just playing my game, trying to be that focal point. With two games left to play, MK Dons are on the cusp of promotion. Collins was promoted from this division with Bristol Rovers in 2021/22 and is eager to experience that feeling again. "There's no better feeling than promotion," he says. "I would have spent maybe 50 per cent of this season out injured, but being able to be involved in the other 50 per cent and play my part in a promotion with 25 to 30 lads is a feeling you cherish forever. "I still think about the promotion I had with Bristol Rovers. That was more unexpected, but this one would be just as sweet. We've come into form at the right time and are going into the last games with massive confidence."