Geelong coach Chris Scott has backed Jeremy Cameron to fight his way through a “flat spot” amid a spotlight on the out-of-sorts star’s form and fitness.
Cameron, who has been battling issues with his surgically-repaired right arm and sore hip, was blanketed by Brisbane’s Darcy Gardiner in the Cats’ 19.9 (123) to 14.17 (101) home loss on Thursday night.
The 33-year-old flew for some marks one-handed and managed just four disposals while going goalless for the third time this season.
Scott's confidence in Cameron
Scott said Geelong’s coaching staff are asking questions of Cameron and club doctors. “The feedback we’re getting is he’s well and truly good enough to play,” Scott said.
“I think you can take it as read that we do not play players that we don’t think can perform.
“I’m sort of making a habit of saying this because I feel more strongly about it than say I did even four or five years ago; the fact that a player can get out there to play doesn’t mean that he should.
“So in that context, we are quizzing the medical staff and Jeremy, and he’s saying, ‘Look, you know, I’m not perfect, but I’m well and truly good enough to perform.’”
Comparison to Patrick Dangerfield
Scott likened Cameron’s situation to that of Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield, who has had to build his way into the season after an interrupted start.
“We tend to give our champions maybe a little bit more room than some others and we’re confident that he’ll find his way through it,” Scott said.
“If he (Cameron) can’t in the short term then we’ll have a think about how we can help him through it even more.
“It’s a strange situation for us to be talking about given how good he’s been for us.”
Dangerfield's performance and a light-hearted quip
Dangerfield kicked five goals in a strong display against Brisbane, and Scott lightheartedly suggested Cameron’s next big haul isn’t far away.
“He’s going through a bit of a flat spot at the moment ... but I do remember getting these questions the week before he kicked 11 (goals),” Scott quipped.
“So if he doesn’t kick at least 10 next week I’ll be flat.”
Geelong's recent form
Geelong (9-7) have lost four of their last five outings and have slipped out of the top four in a run that has included single-figure defeats against Carlton, Adelaide and ladder leaders Fremantle.
But Scott isn’t reaching for the panic button ahead of a clash with GWS in Sydney next week.
“We still think that we’re going well enough to beat anyway anywhere and we’ve had the chance to do that over the last six weeks,” Scott said.
