In summary:
A breakthrough season saw ruckman Darcy Cameron make his AFL debut, star at the NEAFL MVP Awards Ceremony and help the Swans lock in a NEAFL grand final berth.
The Western Australian made his senior debut in the Swans’ clash with the Gold Coast Suns in Round 18, a reward for barnstorming form in the NEAFL.
The 23-year-old ranked second in total hit-outs, finished first in total marks and topped the competition’s primary ruckmen in total goals in 2018.
Cameron collected 39 of a possible 40 MVP votes across the final four rounds to finish runner-up behind Aspley’s Matt Payne.
He also joined Swans defender Colin O’Riordan in the 2018 NEAFL Team of the Year.
This season was Cameron’s second in red and white.
What the numbers say:
NEAFL
Games: 19
Goals: 26
Hit-outs: 736
Kicks: 265
Handballs: 131
Disposals: 396
Marks: 161
Tackles: 90
Best performance:
Round 15: Sydney Swans v Northern Territory Thunder, TIO Stadium
Cameron tallied 28 touches, 43 hit-outs, 10 marks and three goals as the Swans cruised to a 74-point win over the Northern Territory Thunder. The towering Swan earned a game-high seven NEAFL MVP votes to help Sydney to a ninth-straight win.
What they said:
Cameron
“I had a lot of confidence going into the last few games of the year and backed my ability and got that senior game under my belt. I played my role and did what I can.”
Development coach Jeremy Laidler
“Darcy was our most consistent player in the development group and NEAFL this year. He was rewarded with his AFL debut against the Gold Coast out here. His character and attitude was outstanding all year. He just wanted to have a consistent, hard year and crack his way into the senior side.”
In pictures:
Darcy Cameron celebrates a goal in Sydney's NEAFL win over Brisbane in Round 8.
Darcy Cameron and Zak Jones contest for the footy at training at the SCG.
From left to right: Darcy Cameron, Colin O'Riordan and Jeremy Laidler pose for a photo at the 2018 NEAFL MVP Awards Ceremony.
Stay tuned for more season reviews at http://www.sydneyswans.com.au/ over the coming weeks.
