AFL trade period: Jeremy Cameron reveals ‘validation’ for trade request, why players want to play for Geelong

Premiership forward Jeremy Cameron has revealed his feeling of ‘validation’ after requesting a trade to the Cats, and why players want to play their football in Geelong.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Jeremy Cameron of the Cats celebrates a goal during the 2022 AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Premiership forward Jeremy Cameron has detailed the feeling of “validation” he had for requesting a trade from Greater Western Sydney, and the allure of Geelong as a landing spot.

The Cats are set to be busy again during this year’s AFL draft period, with Magpie Oliver Henry officially requesting a trade to Geelong and Giant Tanner Bruhn expected to follow suit.

Geelong is also in the box seat to acquire Gold Coast defender Jack Bowes and the lucrative seventh selection at this year’s draft as the Suns attempt to free up cap space.

Cameron, who left the Giants at the end of the 2020 season, said the allure of playing in Geelong was not in the form of big pay cheques.

“Playing finals and winning premierships was one of the main reasons why I wanted to move, but also to be closer to family,” he said.

Jeremy Cameron of the Cats holds the premiership cup after winning the 2022 AFL Grand Final. Picture: Daniel Pockett

“Looking at the different clubs, I thought Geelong would suit me as a region and it has for sure, but at the same time I wanted to win a flag.

“I hadn’t won one before, I’ve tasted what grand final day and grand final week is like, but never been able to win it, so to get that validation surrounding why I left (the Giants) was really special.

“Geelong has done a remarkable job of staying competitive for years, since I’ve been watching footy they’ve always been around the mark, making finals.

“It’s pretty special to be able to keep doing that and not fully having to rebuild, I think it’s why players want to come to Geelong to play footy.”

Jeremy Cameron of the Cats (L) and Patrick Dangerfield of the Cats hold the premiership cup after winning the 2022 AFL Grand Final. Picture: Daniel Pockett

Cameron was not the only player to be traded to Geelong and win his first premiership at the Cats, with star Pat Dangerfield, veteran Zach Tuohy, ruck Rhys Stanley and forwards Gary Rohan and Tyson Stengle all playing against the Swans.

Dangerfield said it was “special” to win with players coming to Geelong from different pathways, and it was an added incentive for those eager to win a premiership.

Patrick Dangerfield of the Geelong Cats and Joel Selwood of the Geelong Cats share a moment. Picture: Mark Stewart

“There’s so many different stories intertwined throughout our 23 players that played, as well as the 45 that we have on our list,” he said.

“It’s what makes footy clubs great, being able to unite people for that success and to share that all together.”

Originally published as AFL trade period: Jeremy Cameron reveals ‘validation’ for trade request, why players want to play for Geelong