New Swan Cameron shines in first JLT match

New Sydney Swans addition Darcy Cameron did his chances of a shock early season debut no harm after impressing in his side’s two-point loss to North Melbourne at Coffs Harbour in their JLT Community Series opener on Sunday.

Cameron was one of three North Albany products to take to the field and his four-quarter effort drew praise from stand-in coach Brett Kirk, who said he competed well in the ruck and down forward.

Picked up by the Swans in last year’s national draft, Cameron has shown encouraging signs in pre-season training and spent time both rucking and as a key forward.

He finished with 16 disposals, three marks and 12 hit-outs and kicked a second-quarter goal after shrugging his opponent off with strength and kicking truly from close range.

The Kangaroos played fellow North Albany products Marley Williams and Declan Mountford in the match. Williams was solid across half-back in his first outing for his new club, collecting 15 possessions and laying four tackles.

Mountford only played in the second half but laid seven tackles, had eight touches, and scored a final-quarter goal.

In the AFL women’s competition, Fremantle and Greater Western Sydney played out a historic draw, with Great Southern trio Belinda Smith, Kirby Bentley and Kira Phillips all playing at Blacktown International Sportspark.

Phillips, who hails from Gnowangerup, made her AFLW debut and kicked the only goal of the first quarter. Bentley was busy throughout the match to gather 15 touches and three marks, while Smith was solid in defence with eight possessions, and Phillips kicked 1.1 from seven kicks.