A TRIPLE premiership player at Hawthorn Football Club in the late 80s and early 90s, Andy Collins gave plenty of advice to the Bendigo Pioneers under-18s squad during Saturday's workout at the TAC Cup club's pre-season camp.

Collins took time out from his busy schedule as senior coach at Williamstown to take training drills on the Epsom-Huntly Reserve oval and then speak to the Pioneers on day two of the weekend camp.

He did so to help Pioneers new coach Brett Henderson who had previously worked as development coach at Williamstown before taking on the Bendigo role.

A key theme of the Collins visit was focused on attitude and competitiveness.

"In any game you play it's not just about ball movement, athleticism and skills.

"The great teams such as Hawthorn of the past two years is their competitiveness."

He said he was keen to help the next generation of players from an area so rich in football talent over the years.

Joel Selwood (Geelong) and Ollie Wines (Port Adelaide) have kicked on from their days as Pioneers.

"They are two of the fiercest competitors in the AFL," Collins said.

Williamstown's squad for this year includes former Pioneers Jake Maher, Jacob Chisari and Isaiah Miller.