From the outside looking in, it appeared to be an AFL career low point for Charlie Cameron.
But the livewire Brisbane forward has credited a six month injury layoff in 2018 with helping him find “career best” form this year, sparking the Lions’ unlikely title tilt.
Cameron’s first season with Brisbane initially lived up to the hype following his high profile move from Adelaide, kicking 17 goals in the first 10 games of 2018.
However, Cameron cut a disconsolate figure when he was struck down with a season-ending foot injury the next round against North Melbourne.
Cameron could only look on helplessly as Brisbane finished 15th on the 2018 AFL ladder with a poor 5-17 record.
It was a far cry from the dizzying heights of his time with the Crows where barely 12 months earlier he had kicked a then career-best five goals in Adelaide’s 61-point preliminary final win over Geelong to book a grand final showdown with Richmond.
Yet Cameron credited his time on the Lions’ sidelines with propelling him to his 2019 heights.
Small forward Cameron has been the key to Brisbane’s remarkable resurgence, sealing a rare top two finish for the Lions who have earned their first finals campaign in 10 years.
Brisbane will host Richmond in a qualifying final at the Gabba on Saturday night after Cameron’s 2019 heroics which included 54 majors for the year and All-Australian selection.
“Last season started pretty well but I got injured halfway through and it was a bit frustrating,” Cameron told AAP.
“But having six months off with the injury really helped me develop as a player, watching the game off field was different to being on the ground.
“It helped me this year come back and influence games. I feel I have done that well.”
Cameron may have sparked the Crows’ stunning 2017 grand final berth but he admitted it was hard to shine during his time at Adelaide.
At Brisbane, Cameron hasn’t had that problem in a young Lions forward line since finally finding full fitness.
“This is the best I have ever played,” Cameron said.
“At Adelaide I never really had that opportunity because I was behind guys like Eddie Betts, Tex Walker, Josh Jenkins and Tom Lynch.
“Here I have had more of an opportunity with a younger forward line – I think I have made the most of my opportunity.”
After exceeding his own expectations in 2019, Cameron is daring to dream about how far the Lions can go in their rare finals campaign.
“After winning nine in a row this year there is a lot of confidence,” he said.
“I don’t want to say we can go all the way but I believe we can match it with the best.”
