THE Limestone Coast-based Cameron family has recalled the highs and lows of Saturday’s 2019 Australian Football League grand final as the Greater Western Sydney Giants were dealt a devastating 89-point defeat by the Richmond Tigers.
After soaking up the grand final build-up in Melbourne, there were positive signs early for supporters of Dartmoor export Jeremy Cameron as he kicked the opening goal of the season decider.
However, there was little to celebrate after the first quarter break as the Tigers pounced on the Giants to build a commanding lead.
Speaking after the game, Jeremy labelled the defeat “embarrassing”.
“It is a really hard feeling at the moment…it is a little bit embarrassing,” he said.
“It is crazy, the feelings we had last week compared to the feeling we have right now.
“One thing I know is we will come back stronger.”
Jeremy said it would be tough but he knew the team would get over the loss eventually.
“I was saying to the younger boys, it is moments like this which make winning so good,” he said.
“From now, you can go two ways. You can fall away and not want to get back here next year, or you can work harder and become the better footballer.
“I think we will make sure we give ourselves another crack which I know this club will do.”
The All-Australian forward said the first quarter of the game showed equal competition.
“It was on right from the start and we knew it would be,” he said.
“We ran away from a few things in the second quarter…we did not use the ball at times like the way we wanted to.
“I think the second quarter is what really hurt us.”
Jeremy gave credit to the Tigers with Richmond setting the benchmark.
“We are a very tight club. I am not sure what it is like in other clubs but everyone in the club is good mates,” he said.
“We help each other out away from football and we are better people because of it.”
Family and friends travelled from across Australia to watch Jeremy, with his mother Kelly stating she could not be prouder.
“He kicked the first goal of the game which was exciting,” Ms Cameron said.
“I think the team was pretty shell-shocked with how it turned out and was utterly devastated to have lost.
“At the same time, I said he had to be proud because he was the 2019 Coleman Medalist and was in the All-Australian team again.”
Ms Cameron said although Saturday’s result was disappointing, she highlighted the Giants’ short journey having only been established eight years ago.
“To me, it is amazing they have made four out of eight finals series,” she said.
“We all honestly thought the team would come out and play the way they had the last three weeks beforehand.
“I think the players were more disappointed than anybody else.”
Ms Cameron said the family enjoyed the atmosphere of the grand final despite the disappointing scoreline.
“We all went back to a function after the game which we enjoyed after the tears,” she said.
“In the end, there were 16 other teams which did not make it through and there is always hope they will be back again next year.”
Discussion has surrounded Jeremy’s future in the league with just one year remaining on his contract, with the prominent forward indicating he would open contract negotiations to secure his long-term future in the coming months.
“We do not know what Jeremy’s plans are but Leon and I will support him and his partner with whatever they choose,” Ms Cameron said.
