Brisbane coach Chris Fagan says Charlie Cameron is making a strong case to be an All-Australian

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan believes Charlie Cameron is in contention for his first All-Australian honour, even going as far to suggest he is the best small forward in the league

Charlie Cameron kicked five goals against St Kilda. Picture: Getty Images

Charlie Cameron’s performance against St Kilda had coach Chris Fagan pondering if he might be the best small forward in the competition.

The numbers mount a compelling case for his first All-Australian blazer and the highlights reel he has put together this season is second to none.

It is only Cameron’s accuracy woes this season that have any of his rivals close.

Fremantle’s Michael Walters is a lock for one spot in this year’s All-Australian side at this stage of the season leading the goal kicking among the small forwards with 28.10.

Cameron has 26.22 while his hero Eddie Bets has 26.13, he has also taken 47 marks ahead of Walters’ 43 and Betts’ 23.

It may end up being his own captain Dayne Zorko, the competition’s best pressure player and leading tackler, he is competing with.

Charlie Cameron had a night out against the Saints with five goals. Picture: Getty Images

Fagan is not one for big statements but after Cameron’s 5.1 in Saturday’s win over the Saints, his best return as a Lion, he was prepared to put him in the conversation.

“He has got to be close,” he said.

“It is pretty hard to sit here and say he is No.1 but he has got to be close because he is the whole package.

“He scores and he puts pressure on, he can compete in the air and when the ball hits the ground so he is a fairly complete small forward.’’

Cameron is a dead eye with snaps from ground level but his set shot kicking has let him down.

His only blemish on Saturday was from a set shot and Fagan admits if he had been more accurate the rest of the competition would be paying much closer attention.

“When you can get the ball inside 50 at speed and he’s in there (against) his opponent I’d hate to be his opponent because he’s so agile and quick,’’ he said.

“He’s had a really good year and perhaps if he’d kicked a bit straighter we’d be talking him up a bit more than we are.’’

Charlie Cameron marks in front of St Kilda’s Tim Membrey. Picture: AAP

Cameron has no qualms admitting he would love the title as the league’s best but says he is content to stick to the coach’s instructions knowing the rewards will flow from that.

“You always try to be the best player in your position,’’ he said.

“I try to watch other small forwards and see how they are going.

“But as long as I am doing the team things the other stuff will come, it won’t go my way every week but as long as I am doing that I’m happy and luckily enough this week l got to kick five.’’

It was a double celebration for the family after Cameron’s younger brother Jarrod made his AFL debut for West Coast in their victory over Essendon.

“It was a proud moment for our family,’’ he said.

“It was great for him to play his first game, he played pretty well and his pressure was pretty good so hopefully he stays in the side.’’