Pies big man confident AFL is close to a return

Albany footballer Darcy Cameron says confidence is growing among the player ranks on a footy return and expects an AFL decision in the coming weeks on when the competition is likely to restart. Hailing from North Albany, the 204cm giant was drafted to the Sydney Swans at the end of 2016 but managed only one game before he was traded to Collingwood last year. The 2020 AFL season was suspended after round one with no immediate return date set but Cameron believed an announcement from the league was imminent. “After our meeting (yesterday), everyone is a lot more confident than we were four weeks ago; I expect a return date to be announced soon,” Cameron said. “Everything is looking a lot more positive and closer to a return.” Players have been restricted to training in isolation with one other person, with Cameron partnering up with young defender Will Kelly. The duo have three running sessions a week together: Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Righetti Oval in Kooyong. Cameron admitted not training with his teammates was a struggle. He has set up a weights gym in his garage and he also studies sports business and is doing things around the house to keep occupied. “We have been given a schedule from Monday to Friday that we have to follow,” Cameron said. “Our weights and conditioning coach dropped weights off to my house.” Cameron had the option to come back to his home in WA but his girlfriend, Adriana Guevara, was committed to moving to Melbourne. “I had the option to go home but Adriana already had flights booked and I didn’t want to put any of my family or friends at risk,” he said. “Adriana moved in last Wednesday. “I had been living by myself for about the last month, so it’s good to bounce off someone. “It was getting a bit boring.” The 24-year-old believed he would have plenty of opportunity when the season returned. “I was very close in round one; it was a bit unfortunate not to get picked,” he said. “I will get plenty of opportunities throughout the year, with the shorter turnaround and through my form, so I’m confident I can crack into the team.” Cameron, who has spent large parts of his time at Sydney as a ruckman, believes he can play a role in the Magpies forward line. He booted 36 goals for Claremont in the WAFL, which led to him being drafted as a forward by the Swans.