Crameri excited to help Tomahawk
GEELONG rookie Stewart Crameri says he has no doubt he will be able to play a significant inside-50 role for the Cats next year alongside Tom Hawkins.
The former Essendon and Western Bulldogs forward kicked 166 goals in 99 games in his previous two AFL stints, and will be a welcome ally to the 2012 Carji Greeves medallist and Dan Menzel in Geelong’s forward half of the ground.
Crameri admitted it was a relief to find a new AFL home at Monday’s rookie draft and said he was excited about working closely with Hawkins in 2018.
“Hopefully I can help him out in the forward line. I haven’t discussed tactics yet, but I’ve known Tom for a few years so I’m sure we’ll gel pretty well,” Crameri said.
“It’s exciting to play with Tom. He’s been a good player for many years, but also playing with Danger (Patrick Dangerfield) , (Joel) Selwood and Gary Ablett. It’s an exciting team to be a part of and I’m grateful to be here.
“It was a tense three months there waiting to see where my AFL career would go, but luckily the Cats showed a bit of faith and I was lucky enough to get picked up in the rookie draft. It’s an exciting prospect and I can’t wait just to get back out there.”
At 29, Crameri had accepted his AFL days were done if he missed a spot at a third AFL club.
But the former Maryborough Football Club half-forward said Geelong was the ideal place to gain a fresh start and have a crack at an elusive premiership.
“Initially there was a bit of interest, but as the time went on the clubs weren’t showing that much interest,” he said.
“It came down to Geelong or nothing. I did contemplate having to retire but luckily enough I did get a second chance. I’ve lived in Melbourne for eight years now and I’m willing to move down pretty soon.
“It’s probably going to be good mentally and I just want to play some good football again — which I know I can — and contribute to the team and try and have some success.”
Crameri is expected to be in full training by January as he continues rehab from a hip injury that sidelined him for much of the 2017 season.