Fresh from claiming Geelong’s most famous guernsey number, boom recruit Jeremy Cameron has declared his intention to have a career-best AFL season in 2021.
The Cats officially unveiled Cameron – who will don the No.5 previously worn by Gary Ablett Snr – alongside fellow recruits Shaun Higgins and Isaac Smith and the club’s new draftees on Monday.
The 27-year-old key forward, who departed GWS in a blockbuster trade last month, said he was keen to put a disappointing 2019 season behind him and quickly make an impression at his new club.
“I want to have my best season I’ve ever had,” Cameron told reporters.
“I don’t want to set low goals. I want to set a really high standard and train really hard over the summer and I’ve already started that probably about six weeks ago.
“So I feel like I’m moving well.”
Cameron’s previous best season came in 2019, when he booted 76 goals in 24 games and helped the Giants to a maiden grand final appearance.
The Cats No.5 guernsey became available when Nakia Cockatoo was traded to Brisbane, with Cameron opting to take it up after discussing his decision with friend and former Cat Steve Johnson.
“There’s a lot of history here at this club in that jumper, and to be given the opportunity to wear it if I want to was a big thing,” Cameron said.
“I look forward to running out there and and doing my best in the number five.”
Cameron enjoyed the relative anonymity of life at GWS but said he would embrace the additional scrutiny at Geelong – and wanted to prove himself after hitting the “restart button” through his trade.
“I’m sort of a laid-back type but I know definitely coming to a big club in Geelong, there’s gonna be a little bit more scrutiny when you don’t play well,” Cameron said.
“But at the same time when you do play well, it’s going to be really good as well.
“So I know that’s all a part of footy and that was a part of my decision coming in so I look forward to what that brings and what that looks like.”
Fellow recruit Higgins has claimed the No.4 guernsey, most recently worn by Gary Ablett Jnr, while Smith will don the No.7 left vacant by Harry Taylor’s retirement.
