Sydney Swans ruckman Darcy Cameron has finished runner-up in the 2018 NEAFL MVP and made the cut for the NEAFL Team of the Year to cap off a breakthrough season.
The Western Australian collected 39 of a possible 40 MVP votes across the last four rounds of the regular season in a barnstorming finish.
Star Aspley midfielder Matt Payne collected 95 votes to hold on for a record three NEAFL MVP wins, with Cameron close behind on 87 and Southport on-baller Josh Clayton rounding out the podium.
The outstanding season of Sydney defender Colin O’Riordan was also recognised, with the Irishman being named in the NEAFL Team of the Year.
Cameron credits his glittering season to concentrating on the basics.
“Playing my role, being aggressive when the ball’s in the air or on the ground, trying to help my midfielders out and getting first hands on the ball,” Cameron said.
“I made it pretty simple with (development coaches) Jeremy Laidler and Tadhg Kennelly and also my other coaches, Dean Cox and John Longmire. We just wanted to keep my focus quite simple and making sure I achieve those little things every game.”
Cameron averaged 21 disposals, 39 hit-outs and seven marks across 17 NEAFL games this season.
The second-year Swan, who made his AFL debut in Sydney’s clash with Gold Coast in Round 18, also booted 23 goals.
O’Riordan made his senior debut as Sydney edged North Melbourne in a thrilling encounter in Round 17.
The 22-year-old was brilliant at half-back in the NEAFL this season, averaging 29 touches and nine marks per game to help the Swans lock in second place on the ladder.
Cameron was full of praise for his star teammate.
“Making Team of the Year is a huge credit to him,” Cameron said.
“It’s a huge move for him to move overseas, but his skills and the way he reads the ball and the play is unbelievable and to be awarded with a few AFL games this year is awesome.
“You can see his confidence has gone through the roof and he’s playing really dominant football.”
2018 NEAFL MVP FINAL LEADERBOARD
95: Matthew Payne (Aspley)
87: Darcy Cameron (Sydney)
84: Josh Clayton (Southport)
80: Mitch Maguire (Canberra)
76: Craig Bird (Sydney Uni)
76: Andrew Boston (Southport)
57: Michael Barlow (Gold Coast)
56: Andrew Swallow (Aspley)
55: Abraham Ankers (NT Thunder)
50: Alex Smout (Canberra)
2018 NEAFL Team of the Year
B: Ryan Hebron (Sydney University) Adrian Williams (Redland) Colin O’Riordan (Sydney)
HB: Cameron Ilett (NT Thunder) Liam Dawson (Brisbane) Adam Gulden (Sydney University)
C: Josh Clayton (Southport) Matthew Payne (Aspley) Ben Warren (Aspley)
HF: Mitch Hardie (Canberra) Jackson Paine (Redland) Michael Manteit (Southport)
F: Tom Wilkinson (Southport) Matt Hammelmann (Redland) Tom Young (Sydney University)
Foll: Darcy Cameron (Sydney) Andrew Swallow (Aspley) Mitch Maguire (Canberra)
Inter: Jake Spencer (Aspley) Abraham Ankers (NT Thunder) Jacob Dawson (Gold Coast) Aidan Bonar (GIANTS) Craig Bird (Sydney University)
Coach: Stephen Daniel (Southport)
Captain: Matt Payne (Aspley)
