Local Swan becomes a Magpie

Traded Albany-raised ruckman Darcy Cameron believes he can get more AFL opportunities at Victorian powerhouse Collingwood.

Cameron was traded to the Pies on Tuesday for pick 62, leaving Sydney after three years on their list which yielded only one game.

The 205cm versatile big man requested a trade wanting more opportunity at senior level and the Magpies tabled a great offer.

“I requested a trade wanting more opportunity — playing NEAFL I was a bit of sick of being so close to AFL selection but not getting a game,” Cameron told the Advertiser.

“When I spoke to Collingwood they had a good plan in place for me. It was very convincing and sounded promising.

“Being traded to the biggest club in Australia is an awesome feeling”.

Cameron was drafted by the Swans in the 2016 national draft but has only played one senior game, in 2018, on the back of a stellar NEAFL season.

He was runner-up in the NEAFL’s most valuable player award in 2018 and was named in the NEAFL team of the year.

Cameron said has been waiting for the deal to be done.

“I knew Collingwood were interested in me and I have been waiting for the go-ahead but Sydney were busy with Joe Daniher and Tom Papley,” he said.

“It’s good to get a three-year deal. I can settle down in Melbourne and set up life for a bit.

“I haven’t lived in Melbourne before so I’m really looking forward to it. I have lots of friends and family that live there.”

He said the WA clubs had not pursued him.

“Fremantle showed interest in previous years but both WA teams have big players so they weren’t interested,” he said.

“Collingwood have no real big men besides Brodie Grundy so I feel I have a big opportunity in front of me.”

The North Albany product said his body was finally feeling 100 per cent. “I have gotten over all five of my injuries this year and haven’t missed a pre-season training, so I’m looking forward to the season ahead,” he said.

“I’m looking to go there and impress on day one, then I will try to cement my spot in the senior team for the whole year.”

An early knee injury and a later quad injury limited Cameron’s 2019 season but he still managed 11 NEAFL games, averaging 22 hit-outs and nearly 17 disposals per game.