AFL Grand Final 2022: Jeremy Cameron best on ground for partying after Geelong beats Sydney
Jeremy Cameron’s premiership medal was ‘stolen’ by one cow, and others almost derailed his grand final preparation. He reveals all as details of the Cats’ huge party emerge.
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Jeremy Cameron has revealed he had only had about half-an-hour’s sleep before he arrived at the club’s premiership celebrations on Sunday after partying hard with his mates – and a now infamous cow – at his farm through the night.
The cow became an unlikely celebrity after the star Cat posted a video on Instagram of the farm animal wearing his premiership medallion in the early hours of the morning.
Too tired and sore to give chase himself, Cameron said he had to get his friends to “round up” the cow to get the premiership medal back.
“I don’t know who came up with the idea,” Cameron said of putting the medal on the cow.
“We thought it was funny at the time then the cow actually got out of the pen and went into the open paddock and that’s when things got a bit funny.
“I had enough mates there to wrangle it off and get it back.
“The one thing that I have learned overnight is not to give your medal to a cow at 5am.
“Easy to put on the cow, hard to get back … no cows were harmed in the process.”
Cameron told of how the cows had almost upset his grand final preparation the night before taking to the field for the flag decider at the MCG.
“My mate brought the cows over from home, Dartmoor, which is roughly four hours away,” Cameron said.
“He said he would arrive at 7pm the night before the grand final and he calls me at 9pm and says, ‘I’m 10 minutes away but I’ve missed the turn and I’ve tried to turn around and I’ve got bogged’.
“I’m thinking, ‘I’m going to have to go get him here, but I don’t want to because I’ve got a grand final tomorrow and I don’t really want to be pulling my mate out of the bog’.
“But I had to. I ended up getting into bed about 10pm and had a good night’s sleep and the rest is history.
“The cows, they’ve caused a bit of drama.”
Cameron earned three votes from his teammates for his premiership celebrations, but Tom Atkins said most of the players had arrived for the Sunday club celebrations in better shape than he had expected.
“I think ‘Jezza’ was best-on, I don’t know if you have got him on Instagram but the medal on the cow was pretty funny,” Atkins said.
“To be honest, I expected everyone to look a lot worse than they did this morning.
“We all knew today was going to be a great day, so we wrapped it up pretty early. I was in bed by about 3am, not too bad.”
After claiming their first premiership since 2011, the Geelong players celebrated their victory with family and friends before they were presented on stage to the club’s faithful.
Mark Blicavs arrived still wearing his playing kit, including his footy boots, while Jed Bews showed off his DJ skills when he jumped behind the turntables on stage.
Yet to make an announcement on his playing future, inspirational captain Joel Selwood told the crowd he had kept his celebrations relatively low-key, letting younger teammates celebrate deep into the night.
“I’m an older and wiser guy, so I got plenty of sleep, I left that to the young ones to go and do what they needed to do,” Selwood said.
“What a day. (It’s) just unbelievable, to be honest, it all went to plan and even better, it was absolutely perfect.
“I woke up quite early and got a good feed into me and we drove in from Barwon Heads and didn’t know what to expect today, we heard it was going to be big, but this is unbelievable.”
The Cats’ flag celebrations will continue throughout the week with ‘Mad Monday’, followed by a street parade in Geelong on Tuesday before culminating in the club’s best-and-fairest on Thursday.
“It will be pretty long and tiring I’m sure. But we’ll celebrate it, for sure,” Cameron said.
“We’ve got the B&F later in the week, we’ll have some celebrations tomorrow.
“I don’t really know what today looks like, probably today will be about family, all the people that have given up time to support us.”
CAMERON EXPLAINS ‘TINNIE’ GOAL CELEBRATION
Jemermy Cameron has revealed how midfield star Patrick Dangerfield had plotted to get him on the scoreboard in the final quarter of Saturday’s premiership win.
Without a goal to his name at three-quarter time, Cameron said he had told Dangerfield at the final break that he needed to “kick one” and the Brownlow medallist responded with a plan.
Cameron went on to kick his first goal of the grand final seven minutes into the final term after running past to receive an unselfish handball from Dangerfield, who had marked just inside 50m.
“I did mention to Danger at three-quarter time that I needed to kick one and he said, ‘Just run past me wherever it is on the ground’,” Cameron said at the club’s flag celebrations on Sunday.
“He marked it 48m out, I reckon, from (the) goal, which is a nice distance.
“Don’t look at the behind-the-goals footage because I come from a long way to get that handball.
“He was stoked. What a game Danger played, not only yesterday but the finals before that as well. He really stood up.”
Dangerfield and Cameron both celebrated the goal with both arms up in the air.
Cameron would score his second goal late in the final quarter when he delivered one of the more memorable celebrations of the day when he pretended to crack open a tinnie.
“It has been a little bit talked about this man cave that I have been working on, so a few of the boys were getting into me that they know I love a Great Northern and what not,” Cameron said.
“I don’t know, it just came to me in the moment. I was lucky enough to steer one through, which was nice.
“I said to a lot of the guys, I was more exhausted from celebrating every single goal that was kicked no matter who it was yesterday.
“When my time came I was buggered.”
CATS EYE OFF PIES, TIGERS ON MEMBERSHIP LADDER
Geelong will seek to capitalise on its premiership success off the field, setting itself an ambitious membership target as it looks to become one of the “two or three” biggest clubs in the AFL.
On the back of Saturday’s grand final win over Sydney, Cats chief executive Steve Hocking said the club was setting the bar high as it sought to hit 100,000 signed-up members within the next few years.
Geelong had the seventh-highest membership tally in the AFL this year, with 71,943 paid-up fans.
Only three clubs – West Coast, Richmond and Collingwood – ticked over 100,000 members.
“We hit 72,000 members this year, which was a record for us, and we’re looking to take that to 100,000 members in the coming years,” Hocking told the Herald Sun.
“As a club it’s quite easy to sit back and not pitch to that level. But we want to be a top two or three club and to do that you need that level of commitment.
“I couldn’t be more impressed with how the town, the whole region in general and even Geelong supporters’ right across Melbourne have got behind the club.”
The fifth stage of the GMHBA Stadium redevelopment is in progress at Kardinia Park, which will boost the club’s home ground capacity by about 4000 seats when completed.
“The stadium upgrade will come online in May next year and will allow 40,000 people to attend games here,” Hocking said.
TOM STEWART SAYS SORRY!
He didn’t need to but bless Tom Stewart who has apologised for accidentally knocking a young girl’s hat off during the presentation ceremony on Saturday.
“I just want to reach out to the young girl who gave me my premiership medal yesterday,” he said on Sunday morning.
“I got a bit overwhelmed and bit excited and ended up knocking her had off her head.
“I would like to give her a little gift so if anyone knows her, reach out to me on my socials.”
HAWKINS LEADS THE DANCING
The Cats resisted the tradition for clubs to stage a formal post-Grand Final function, instead heading back to the social club for a relaxed affair with tunes pumping and drinks flowing.
In a video captured by runner Shannon Byrnes, who went back-to-back after completing the duty for Melbourne last year, All-Australian skipper Tom Hawkins danced aloft on someone’s shoulders in his club tracksuit.
Drink in hand and surrounded by fellow revelers, Hawkins was dancing and cheering in his club tracksuit.
The morning after the night before, Hawkins’ wife Emma posted a stunning video of a dimly lit Kardinia Park with just the playing group out on the ground with “We Are the Champions” blaring out.
She also added a photo of Tom from the after party with the caption “How’s the neck this morning @tommyveale?”.
Tom Hawkins - party animal
— SuperFooty (AFL) (@superfooty) September 24, 2022
How the Cats celebrated after dark.
Jezza Cameron BOG?https://t.co/3eFNj0nXYVpic.twitter.com/lnauiQy7lO
For Norm Smith medallist Isaac Smith, the best of intentions turned quickly once he actually got home.
“I thought we were slowing up, but I got home and the fridge was empty,” he said through bleary eyes on Channel 9 on Sunday morning.
“My brother in laws were there, and there was a couple of bottles of Johnny Walker Blue (scotch, which retails at upwards of $250 a bottle).
“They thought it was a good idea to cap them, and it turned into a pretty big night to be honest. I only woke up about half an hour ago.
“It was a good night.
“It was a little bit different to when I was 22, 23 years of age. It was a lot more low-key and mature, but I can’t say I was sipping on Johnnie Blues when I was 22.”
Former Roo and 1996 premiership player Corey McKernan revealed on Sunday that his premiership medallion had endured a similar animal interaction, and told Cameron “it adds to the story”.
“I thought it would be a great idea to put it on my German Shepherd at 6am after we won,” McKernan wrote on Sunday.
“End result was a slightly damaged medal… they offered me another ribbon but I went nah… it adds to the story!”
After seeing @jezzacameron put his medal on a cow did remind me of when I thought it would be a great idea to put it on my German Shepard at 6am after we won.
— Corey McKernan (@CoreyMcKernan) September 25, 2022
End result was a slightly damaged medal… they offered me another ribbon but I went nah… it adds to the story!😎ðŸ‘🆠pic.twitter.com/rcVIP2vjlX
SELWOOD ‘MUST PLAY ON’
– Chris Cavanagh
Premiership teammates have backed courageous captain Joel Selwood to play on next year, describing the veteran midfielder as the “best Geelong player of all time”.
As premiership celebrations continued on Sunday, Selwood said he was determined to “enjoy” time with teammates before sitting down with Geelong to decide where his future lies.
The AFL’s longest-serving captain, Selwood is out of contract this year and turns 35 next May.
“Today’s just enjoy this and that’s what I was going to do (on Saturday), too,” Selwood said.
“I’ll make sure I do that and when I’ve got news I’ll make sure I let you know one way or the other.”
Selwood won his fourth premiership – but first as skipper – on Saturday and has now played 335 games across a decorated 16-season career.
He played 21 of a possible 25 games this year and racked up 26 disposals and one goal in Saturday’s Grand Final triumph over Sydney.
“Joel’s a really special player and person,” Cats midfielder Cam Guthrie said.
“I thought it was brilliant the way he capped off his day (on Saturday) with a goal and everyone got around him. I believe he’s the best Geelong player of all time, just the way he’s gone about his career – his success on the field but the person he is off it, too.
“I think the way he played yesterday, yes (Selwood can play on). I think he’s going to have a bit of a chat to the club and see where he’s at, but I was impressed by his whole season really.”
Fellow premiership teammate Tom Atkins echoed Guthrie’s views, saying Selwood had shown he was still capable of playing some strong football this year.
“I would love to see him (play on),” Atkins said.
“He’s still contributing. He was in our top-three best players (on Saturday). So we’d love to have him next year. It’s up to him, though. I think he’s earnt the right to make that decision.
“He’s just been a great role model. As a person, as well. Everyone sees the time that he devotes to other people and I think it’s underestimated, how much he knows outside of football. He really understands the workings of the club. It will be a hard role to fill, whoever comes into that captain’s role, because he’s obviously been one of our best captains ever.”
THE BEST SUB IN THE HISTORY OF THE GAME
Senior coach Chris Scott took on the unlikely task of ringmaster at the post-game presentation to fans, with some hilarious introductions of some key Cats players after a rousing reception of his own.
Welcomed to the stage to a chant of “Scotty”, the coach laughed that “usually that stuff really embarrasses me, but I’m going to lap it up tonight”.
He gave a heartfelt thanks to fans and lauded both supporters and players for their resilience over recent years before plucking out a few favourites to hilariously laud.
“I don’t generally individualise, but what about Tyson Stengle,” he exclaimed to a huge roar of the crowd.
“Was it four (goals)?
“And is there a better forward pressure player than Brad Close?!
“The hardest running high forward in the game, Gryan Miers.”
Scott said “you’re not supposed to have favourites”.
“But when they write players off and say Gary Rohan can’t get it done ... how sweet is that?!,” he said.
“The two Irish boys (Tuohy and O’Connor), who would have thought? Tuohy’s 250, he’ll never forget this one.
“The best defender in the game ... I still think it’s Tom Stewart, but DK (Sam De Koning) is coming hard. He’s coming hard.
“Probably the best sub in the history of the game, Brandan Parfitt.”
He singled out defender Jed Bews for his job on Swan Tom Papley, before turning to the man who did the job in keeping Lance Franklin quiet.
“He started off as an athlete, and tonight, he stitched up one of the great full-forwards of all time. Jack Henry!,” Scott yelled.
“It looked like he wasn’t going to play finals at all with a knee injury late in the season, but Jake Kolodjashnij.
“They call him Fizz - the toughest, most pressure midfielder in the comp, Tommy Atkins!
“A bit like Gary Rohan, I love this guy more than most, and he’s very lovable. Rhys Stanley!”
Stanley had shed tears with his family members in the rooms post-game, declaring “we did it ... we did it”.
WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THE SIREN
As cartons of beers were wheeled into the Cats’ changerooms in the wake of their complete obliteration of Sydney, the cheers and tears flowed among family and friends.
And Cameron, who booted two goals in the 81-point demolition, said confidently with a draught in hand that it would be a big few days.
“I’ll be celebrating long and hard,” he said.
“There’ll be a few long nights and a few average mornings.
“But it’s all worth it. It’s just a special feeling.
“The best part is, we get to have reunions every couple of years. I’m pushing for every year, but Joel (Selwood) reckons every five. It’s a great list, and there’s stories wherever you look.”
Geelong going off! So god - well done you Catters! #AFLGF#AFLFinals#AFLCatsSwans#AFLGrandFinal#GeelongStrong#WeAreGeelong#AddyGFÂ #geelongphotographer@geelongaddypic.twitter.com/NepHsNX4Ki
— Alan Barber (@bfmphoto) September 24, 2022
Selwood – who won hearts with his touching moment with Levi Ablett, son of his great mate Gary, when he carried the youngster through the team banner – took his good bloke status into God tier when he rallied Sam Moorfoot, who has been the team’s water boy for seven years, to join the team on the ground.
Cameron immediately removed his premiership medal and put it straight onto Moorfoot, who has Down syndrome and has become synonymous with the Cats, who then celebrated with the crowd.
He was also with the team when they sung the song in the rooms.
Sammy’s moment 🥹#AFLGFpic.twitter.com/OK4GhdJQHV
— AFL (@AFL) September 24, 2022
The team was presented to fans outside the MCG with Selwood met with a huge chant of his name.
Players didn’t waste any time, getting stuck in on the team bus on the way to the club’s premiership function, with Cameron pictured sharing a beer with Patrick Dangerfield.
And the glitter is out as the crowds continue to chant along Ryrie St. Going to be a long night in Geelong @geelongaddypic.twitter.com/JZFlnZOs10
— Olivia Shying (@oliviashying) September 24, 2022
Mitch Duncan was snapped alongside his wife, Demi, with his premiership medal.
Irish duo Zach Tuohy and Mark O’Connor were planning a celebration in true Irish style.
“Mon the town,” O’Connor wrote on Instagram.
Cameron said to be celebrating with a packed MCG was the cherry on top of the flag win after a difficult few years due to the Covid pandemic.
“I’ve mentioned it all year but to have crowds back, but it’s one of the reasons I love playing football,” he said.
“I missed that throughout that tough period through Covid. We know everyone’s struggled.
“But I hated not having crowds. It sucked. To see everyone back in the G – Swans supporters as well … that’s massive and the family’s even better.”
The Cats will be presented to fans at St Mary’s football ground in Geelong from 11am on Sunday.
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