Lions Power AFL Finals: Brisbane star Charlie Cameron opens up about confidence, 200th milestone and Storm fandom

Brisbane superstar Charlie Cameron has opened up about a mid-season crisis of confidence and how he has since steeled himself to play a key role in the Lions’ premiership pursuit.

Brisbane superstar Charlie Cameron has opened up about a mid-season crisis of confidence and how he has since steeled himself to play a key role in the Lions’ premiership pursuit.

Cameron, who was the only Lion to feature in the All-Australian side announced last week, admitted he was rocked by a heavy collision with Richmond skipper Trent Cotchin in round 16 and it took some time to reset himself mentally.

“You try and block it out obviously but I was worried … not having nightmares, but your reaction to having another contest like that (there was concern),” Cameron revealed.

“I had a patch of six weeks where I wasn’t playing up to standard and I just set myself for the past four weeks to have a good block and try to build myself toward finals.

“I think I was worrying about too much and I needed to just keep it simple. That’s been the past four weeks, just trying to keep it simple and play my role.”

Charlie Cameron says it took a concerted effort to overcome some mental demons. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The 29-year-old has kicked 11 goals over the past four matches and with his confidence restored looms as a match-up nightmare for rival teams in September.

Cameron is one of Brisbane’s most consistent September performers and has booted 23 goals in nine finals appearances for the Lions.

“You want to play good in big games, especially finals,” he said.

“I’ve played in enough finals and games now to have a routine and understand what I need to do come Saturday night.

“Over the past two years I’ve had a real focus on (pressure) and I set myself a goal to be the number one forward 50 tackler in the game.

“This year (has been about) trying to bring that pressure and everything else will flow into that.”

The two-time All Australian will feature in his 17th final and 200th AFL game when Brisbane hosts Port Adelaide in a crunch qualifying final at the Gabba on Saturday night.

He marked his 150th milestone with five goals in a disappointing qualifying final defeat to Melbourne two years ago.

Cameron revealed coach Chris Fagan had leant on Brisbane’s previous finals failures as extra motivation ahead of the clash with Port Adelaide.

“Fages showed us some pictures during the week from the (preliminary final) loss against Geelong – hopefully we’re not in this situation again,” Cameron said.

“It was a tough three games for us (last year). We gave it a good crack but we were just one game short.

“This year I think we’re more prepared. We’ve brought in some experienced players and have some young players playing good footy again.”

Brisbane Lions star Charlie Cameron and fiance Caitlin Seeto together before Charlie plays his 200th game this weekend at the GABBA. Picture: Adam Head

Brisbane will be engulfed in footy fever this weekend with both the Broncos and Lions hosting blockbuster finals.

Two of Cameron’s favourite NRL players – Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds and Storm sensation Cam Munster – will go head to head at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

And the Lions forward declared a surprising allegiance that could make him an unpopular figure in Brisbane - and at home - this weekend.

“I’m Melbourne Storm through and through, so I’ll be supporting the Storm,” Cameron revealed.

“I’ll be on the couch watching the game. It should be a good weekend for Brisbane (footy fans).

“Hopefully the Storm can get it done. My partner is a Broncos fan so I have a bit of a soft spot for them.”

Originally published as Lions Power AFL Finals: Brisbane star Charlie Cameron opens up about confidence, 200th milestone and Storm fandom