Picture: MOLLY TAYLOR
A BOY from rural Victoria who excelled to become one of the nation’s top footballers has left an indelible mark on Dartmoor Football Netball Club.
Jeremy Cameron only ever lined up for Dartmoor as a Swan – the club’s former mascot – before the organisation transformed its image in 2014 to become the Giants, bearing the same colours as Greater Western Sydney.
Tom McKinnon only played a handful of games with Jeremy after the natural talent debuted with the club’s reserves, but he made a lasting impression.
“I only played with him a few times in reserves as after that he was shot straight up to seniors,” Mr McKinnon said.
“He was talented for somebody who had never played football before.
“He would just come and play to fill numbers but it skyrocketed quickly.”
While the club has changed its colours, Mr McKinnon said the friendly and inviting nature remained.
“We welcome anyone of any skill level and more the merrier really,” Mr McKinnon said.
“There are lots of people who will only say they will stay for one season but are still here after five seasons and even 10.
“Once they come they seem to never want to leave.
“The club keeps good people in the community and we have people coming from Hamilton three times a week just to play football.”
Although the seniors team did not make the South West District Football Netball League grand final this year, Mr McKinnon said the team took home the flag in 2017.
“There is always next year I guess.”
Mr McKinnon said the Dartmoor community would rally behind Jeremy this weekend, including a host of football players traveling to Bendigo on the club’s annual end-of-season trip.
“There are a few little parties around Dartmoor I have heard about which will be getting around him,” he said.
“It is a good feeling when a bloke who came from Dartmoor makes it as far as he has.”
