Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Jeremy Cameron is expected to respond strongly when the Geelong Cats face the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Engie Stadium on Friday after a quiet outing in last week’s loss to the Brisbane Lions.
The Geelong Cats forward had just four disposals and two kicks against the reigning premiers, later describing his own game as "borderline pathetic" after being held goalless by Brisbane Lions defender Darcy Gardiner.
The match adds another layer to a busy AFL finals race, with Zach Merrett’s trade value and Hawthorn links also drawing attention as clubs shape their late-season plans.
Greater Western Sydney Giants Wary Of Cameron
Greater Western Sydney Giants coach Adam Kingsley said his side are not reading too much into Cameron’s recent form. The two-time Coleman Medallist has been dealing with arm and hip issues, while still wearing a guard after a right arm fracture suffered during last year’s grand final.
"Look, we've had pretty stock match-ups against him in the past that we feel like have really contributed well to us," Kingsley said.
"We know his quality. We know that he's copped a little bit of media, which probably means he's very eager to respond.
"These boys know him all too well up here. We'll have plans to try and manage his influence on the game.
"He's going to have moments. We know that. He's a great player.
"We're just trying to restrict how many of those moments he has."
Giants Chase Wildcard Ground
The Greater Western Sydney Giants enter the game 13th with a 7-9 record, four points behind 10th-placed Carlton in the final wildcard spot. They are coming off a 21-point win over Fremantle Dockers, ending the ladder leaders’ 14-match winning streak.
The Geelong Cats sit seventh at 9-7 but need a response after their 22-point loss to the Brisbane Lions. Official AFL fixtures and ladder details are available through the Australian Football League.
Kingsley will be without Jack Buckley, who is still dealing with calf soreness.
"Buck's just had ongoing calf soreness that doesn't seem to be getting better at the moment," Kingsley said.
"He's still a while away ... I'd expect to see him back again this year. It's just it won't be this week.
"There's no surgery stuff. It's just a stock calf that's been recurring."
