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'Disappointed': AFL world rocked after star drops bombshell request

australian associated press
·2-min read
Star Greater Western Sydney forward Jeremy Cameron (pictured middle) has told the Giants he wants to be traded. (Getty Images)
Star Greater Western Sydney forward Jeremy Cameron (pictured middle) has told the Giants he wants to be traded. (Getty Images)

Star Greater Western Sydney forward Jeremy Cameron has told the Giants he wants to be traded to AFL powerhouse Geelong.

Cameron, who has kicked 427 goals in 171 games for GWS, is after a move to the Cats, who are preparing for Saturday night's grand final against Richmond at the Gabba.

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"We are disappointed by this news, having tabled what we believe to have been a suitable offer to retain Jeremy," Giants football manager Jason McCartney said.

"With Jeremy being a restricted free agent, we have a number of avenues to now explore to get the best possible outcome for the Giants."

While Cameron took his time deciding his future, many thought the 2019 Coleman medallist would remain with the Giants where he has been since the start of his AFL career in 2012.

Geelong will be a frightening proposition for rival clubs with Cameron set to team up with this year's Coleman medallist, Cats forward Tom Hawkins.

Cameron struggled this season, as did GWS, kicking just 24 goals - down from a career-high 76 last year.

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But the 27-year-old is one of the game's most dangerous forwards when firing and played a key role in the Giants making their first grand final appearance last year.

There are only seven active AFL players with more career goals than Cameron, including Hawkins (603) and Sydney champion Lance Franklin (944).

It continues a concerning exodus at the expansion club, with Cameron joining defenders Zac Williams and Aidan Corr and midfielder Jackson Hately in requesting trades away from the Giants since their season ended last month.

Veteran defender Heath Shaw hasn't been offered a new contract, while ruckman Sam Jacobs has retired.

Jeremy Cameron of the Giants looks on during the round 17 AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Melbourne Demons at The Gabba on September 12, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia.
Jeremy Cameron of the Giants looks on during the round 17 AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Melbourne Demons at The Gabba on September 12, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

There remains speculation Hately's fellow 2018 draftee Jye Caldwell will also leave as he considers interest from a number of Victorian clubs.

Former GWS utility Brett Deledio said Cameron, who is originally from western Victoria, was ready to leave Sydney.

"With 'Jez', I haven't spoken to him personally about all of this, but I think he wants to play in front of bigger crowds and is ready for a bit of a change," Deledio told ABC radio.

"He wants to be back closer to home. I don't think anyone could begrudge him of that, or make him stay there."

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