‘Let the team down’: Why Leon Cameron is ‘disappointed’ in Braydon Preuss

The GWS Giants needed all hands on deck for this weekend’s clash with Melbourne, but one star has been rubbed out through suspension.

Cameron won’t be able to select Preuss this week.

Leon Cameron says GWS Giants ruckman Braydon Preuss “let the team down” by striking David Mundy off the ball last week and earning himself a one-match suspension.

The Giants would’ve been counting on Preuss to help neutralise the devastating double team of Max Gawn and Luke Jackson in Saturday’s clash with reigning premiers Melbourne.

Preuss would’ve been an especially valuable addition to the team this week, given he spent two seasons learning from Gawn at the Demons before making the move to Sydney’s west.

Instead, he will watch from the sidelines, having apologised to the playing group for his brainsnap during the week.

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“Clearly we need to take two big men in to combat Gawn and Jackson. Their combination, everyone knows how good it is,” Cameron said.

“We’re not going to sugar-coat it; I’m disappointed (with Preuss’ strike). I’ve spoken to him about it.

“We’ve spoken about that and he’s addressed the group; he’s disappointed he’s let the team down. It’s cost us this weekend.”

Cameron is disappointed in Preuss. Picture: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images

Preuss joined the Giants in 2021 but had been playing just his second game for the club after shoulder and pectoral injuries ruled him out for the entirety of last season.

“Last year, that’s no one’s fault, he had some bad injuries. That’s what happens. It’s what’s in front of us now,” Cameron said.

“He’s played a couple of games for us, clearly we’re getting a lift, we’re building connection with our midfield and we’re heading in the right direction, because they’re big shoes to fill when you’ve had Shane Mumford as one of those premier ruckmen for seven or eight years for your footy club.

“I’m loving what (Preuss) is starting to show as a footballer, but equally you want him out on the park more.”

Cameron said he had faith Preuss would learn his lesson.

“He needs to learn from that, he needs to understand that white line fever … but I’m confident he will. We need him out on the park,” Cameron said.

In Preuss’ absence, Cameron said Giants Academy product Matt Flynn would come back into the side for his third game of the season, joined by one of two other talls.

“We’ll discuss whether (Kieren) Briggs is partnered with him, or Lachie Keeffe. It’ll be one or the other,” Cameron said.

“We look forward to it. It’s an opportunity for our young fellas, or ‘Keeffy’, as our second ruck to take it right up to them.”

Preuss (L) competing with Fremantle’s Sean Darcy. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Giants, who were also devastated by injuries in 2021, are well below full-strength ahead of their date with the reigning champions.

Phil Davis, Brent Daniels and Toby Greene are among the stars unavailable for selection, but Cameron insisted his side was in with a chance to shake off its 1-3 start and get the job done.

“Every side is beatable on any day,” Cameron said.

“(The Demons) are just very well measured, very well rounded; everyone plays their role for their team, they’re well structured, well coached and they’re in form. So we acknowledge that.

“We’d like to think though we’re similar to them in terms of contested ball, stoppages. If we can even that out and play our part in that, then it can lead to a really good contest on Saturday night.

“We’re looking forward to it; we never back down from a challenge. Yep, we’re 1-3 and we’d prefer to be in a different position, but footy always serves up opportunities every week.”