Giant becomes a Cat, fruitful trade period for Geelong

Jeremy Cameron has found his way to the Geelong Football Club.

The much-publicised move from Greater Western Sydney to the Cats dominated headlines throughout this year’s AFL Trade Period, with the deal taking until the dying minutes to be completed.

Geelong gives up its first three picks in the 2020 National Draft, 13, 15, 20, and a future fourth-round selection and in return receives the 2019 Coleman Medalist as well as future second-round picks from the Giants and Essendon.

Cameron, 27, admits for much of the year he was 50-50 on the decision, in fact when he played what proved to be his final game for GWS, he thought he would be remaining at the Giants.

However, a post-season getaway with his partner Indiana provided the moment of clarity for Cameron. Far away from the pressures of football, Cameron set-up the swag and he and his partner discussed the decision for much of the night. It was then Cameron new where his football future lied.

“My mind was all over the place,” Cameron said.

“In the end, the more I thought about it, the more I thought about being close to family.

“As I’ve got older I’ve realised it’s all about balance … to come down to Geelong I feel like I can get the best of both worlds.”

While the decision was clear, telling coach Leon Cameron proved one of the most difficult things the nine-time GWS leading goal-kicker has done in his life.

An emotional Cameron reflected on the moment he told his former coach he would be parting ways with the club.

“Leon’s given me so much over a long time.

“To have him sit in my lounge room and tell him I’m leaving, it was really, really hard … it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.”

Cameron opened up about his struggles living in the hub as the Giants moved into Queensland throughout 2020.

“The hub really hurt me in a lot of ways, it was tough to be locked down, I really hated being stuck in a hotel … I really battled.”

Cameron is excited by the prospect of sharing the forward line with current Coleman Medalist Tom Hawkins. Cameron felt he had plenty to offer the Cats and was eager to help the club go one better in 2021.

“I think I can bring a lot to the team … I’m looking to learn off a lot of these guys and really develop my game as well.

“I know I can play good football and I wasn’t really happy with my season … so I can’t wait to get stuck into it.”

Cameron played 171 games and booted 427 goals for the Giants.

Cameron’s addition completes a fruitful trade period for the Cats, also picking up experienced stars Isaac Smith and Shaun Higgins. While youngster Nakia Cockatoo (Brisbane) and Lachie Fogarty (Carlton) departed.