Geelong star Jeremy Cameron has described his two-kick performance in a grand final rematch against the Brisbane Lions as “borderline pathetic”. Still suffering the effects of a broken arm sustained in last year's decider, the 33-year-old managed just four possessions and no goals in the 22-point defeat last Thursday night. It marked the second time in his last four games that he failed to score, drawing a small bronx cheer from Geelong supporters when he finally gathered the ball late in the match.
Cameron's Honest Self-Assessment
Speaking on the Ausmerican Aces podcast with his former GWS teammate Toby Greene, Cameron reflected on one of the worst performances of his 295-game AFL career. “I’m normally relaxed about my football and I don’t normally take football home with me too often, but I was bloody pissed off driving back down the highway out to the farm after the game,” Cameron said. “It was borderline pathetic and hats off to (Lions defender) Darcy Gardiner who played a ripping game and just beat me on the night. It was a frustrating one and I’m sure frustrating for a lot of the boys as well. Some of my worst games have been the ones I have got the most improvement from.”
Injury Woes and Coleman Medal Standing
Despite his struggles, Cameron sits fourth in the Coleman Medal race with 39 goals this season, though 10 of those came in a single game against the Western Bulldogs. The veteran forward has been playing with a protective guard on his right arm after breaking it just before halftime in last year's grand final, and he continues to manage a hip issue. He will require further surgery on his arm at season's end.
Coach's Support and Finals Push
Geelong coach Chris Scott remains confident Cameron can play a crucial role in the Cats' finals campaign. “It’s obviously frustrating for him (Cameron) at the moment that he’s not feeling as good as he has at times in his career,” Scott said on Wednesday. “But so he’s got some ideas on it and we’ve thrown around some things this week that we think are worthy of consideration. This is something that’s been an issue for him for virtually all the year and if you probably look at it and say well there has been ups and downs, because there certainly have been ups. Maybe we focus a little bit more on the downs, but he’s saying he’s in good enough shape to finish out the year with more of those ups than downs.”
Upcoming Clash and Greene Recruitment Attempt
Geelong, who have lost four of their last five games, face an unpredictable GWS Giants at Engie Stadium on Saturday. The Cats have lost their last four meetings with the Giants, with their last win at the Sydney Showgrounds venue dating back to 2014. In an intriguing subplot, Cameron is reportedly trying to convince Greene to leave GWS and finish his career at Geelong.
