AFL: Collingwood’s Darcy Cameron believes he has proven he can be a No.1 ruckman as Brodie Grundy prepares to return

Brodie Grundy could be back for Collingwood as soon as Friday night’s huge clash with Melbourne but how long will he be in black and white?

Will Collingwood embrace the Darcy Cameron-Brodie Grundy partnership, or turn to Cameron as its No.1 ruckman? Picture: AAP Image

Collingwood’s Darcy Cameron believes he has proven he can be a No.1 ruckman in the AFL but will happily hand back the reins to Brodie Grundy.

The Magpies’ ruck situation has become a major talking point in million-dollar big man Grundy’s knee-related absence, with ex-Swan Cameron playing career-best football.

Collingwood rewarded him with a fresh three-year contract in June off the back of that form, on top of an impressive 2021 campaign.

“It’s nice to take another step in my footy career,” Cameron told News Corp.

“It’s given me a lot of belief, and the boys trust me and that’s a great feeling in a team, to have 22 players out there believing in you.

Darcy Cameron has been the No.1 ruckman with Brodie Grundy out of Collingwood’s side. Picture: Getty Images

“The coaches have also put a lot of faith in me and I can’t thank them enough.”

A major decision looms in the coming months on whether Pies football boss Graham Wright will consider trading Grundy to save significant salary cap space to bolster other areas of the ground.

The level of faith in Cameron is central to that call, because Collingwood has only 31-year-old Mason Cox and 197cm three-gamer Aiden Begg beyond Grundy.

The Giants are the major suitor for Grundy, who is represented by the same management company as GWS big man Kieren Briggs, who has struggled for senior opportunities.

The Magpies are linked with Giants pair Bobby Hill and Tim Taranto and they could be part of any potential Grundy deal.

Collingwood is among the clubs chasing Giant Tim Taranto’s signature. Picture: Getty Images

Champion Data rates Cameron above average among ruckmen for disposals (15), contested possessions (8.9), marks (4.7) and score involvements (4.5) in a 13-game sample as the main man without Grundy.

One of the knocks on him is his middling hit-out to advantage percentage of 11.9, as well as Collingwood’s sub-par stoppage numbers compared to the first six rounds with its dual All-Australian big man.

Collingwood has won 10 matches in a row – which Cameron described as a “special achievement” – but is 16th or worse in points from stoppages and centre clearances, as well as in clearance, centre clearance and contested possession differential since round 7.

Grundy could return to the senior side as soon as Friday night’s showdown with reigning premier Melbourne and five-time All-Australian Max Gawn.

Darcy Cameron (left) and Brodie Grundy, pictured at Collingwood training, could team up as soon as Friday night’s clash with Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

Cameron is looking forward to teaming up with Grundy again but will leave the ruck minutes split to the coaches, knowing he kicked 22 goals in 18 games as a forward-ruck last season.

“He is a super talent, as everyone knows. It’s been a long recovery period for him,” Cameron said.

“I’m just excited to see him get back to his best again. He’s an unbelievable player and it’ll take the team to another level once he gets back.

“If the coaches want me to play (more) forward ... then I’m happy to create a contest down forward and try to kick some goals.”