For 26 seasons, Matt Cameron was an integral part of the physiotherapy and injury prevention team at the Sydney Swans.

He led the injury prevention team for more than 20 years and managed the health of Sydney’s list during a remarkable period of success, including the 2005 and 2012 premiership triumphs.

His experience and expertise helped build and rehabilitate players, allowing them to perform at their best and deliver team success.

He was a friend and mentor to staff and players alike, and a valuable contributor in all areas of the club, including development of data analysis and athlete management tools.

We caught up with Matt to reflect on his time at the club.

It’s been a challenging year right across the industry – what were some of the key challenges that COVID-19 presented for those working in injury prevention?

One of our greatest challenges was getting the team ready to play again after shutdown. In April we were all forced into shutdown and players had to train on their own at home.

Once it was announced that the season would re-start, we had a rapid increase in training to prepare for games.

This type of preparation was unprecedented in the AFL and sport generally, and the rapid nature of the return posed a significant risk of injury.

This needed to be managed along with moving the programme interstate, short turnarounds between games, and with reduced resources. 

What will you take away as the fondest memories from your time at the Sydney Swans?

I got to know and work along-side some great people. We were able to strive with a common purpose, work hard together over many seasons and achieve success in a variety of forms.

These people have become dear friends and we have had plenty of good times along the way. We have been able to enjoy many wins as a team and celebrate them as a whole team.

What are you most proud of from your time at the club?

I have always tried to keep players injury-free and playing footy. This has been a great challenge, particularly with the demands of training and playing at the elite level.

During my time at the club there have been numerous players that have been able to play 200+ games and have great footy careers. I have proudly watched them train and play over many weeks and years.

Two seasons ended with the highest achievement possible by the playing group. I am proud to be part of the support crew that contributed to these successful seasons.

I have also been fortunate to be part of a highly innovative medical and conditioning team. We were able to develop a programme that was one of the earliest to be based on analytics and modelling, and when combined with doing the basics thoroughly, formed the cornerstone of our management.

What will you be focusing your energy on in 2021?

In 2021, I will be supporting my family with their goals whilst blending clinical, academic and sports physiotherapy.

I look forward to new challenges in both work and life, as well as again being part of a cohesive and elite team that strives for success.