SUDDEN IMPACT
Cats skipper confident Cameron can deliver
GEELONG skipper Joel Selwood has backed Jeremy Cameron to have an immediate impact as the Cats prepare to unveil their prized recruit in Saturday’s clash with West Coast.
Cameron has been declared a certain starter for the blockbuster at GMHBA Stadium, and while the Cats are eager to temper expectations on the
Coleman medallist, Selwood is confident the former GWS Giants star will have an influence.
“He will expect to come in and do well,” Selwood said.
“What I’ve learnt of Jez in the short time that I’ve know him is he’s a real carer. He might look laconic, but he’s going to be an excellent teammate and I look forward to seeing what he can put out there.
“It won’t be perfect every time, but he’s going to be very exciting for Cats fans.”
After successive hamstring setbacks, Cameron will make his long-awaited debut for the Cats, teaming with fellow Coleman medallist Tom Hawkins in attack.
And Selwood admitted his team was spoilt for choice.
“It’s been 14 years of kicking to Tom, so to have another option up there is exciting,” Selwood said.
“It will also help our other guys at ground level get involved too. We’ve probably been a bit isolated down there kicking to the one person, so this gives us a different look.”
Improving their record to 3-2 with the 30-point win over North Melbourne on Saturday night, the Cats remain under the microscope after a string of less-than convincing performances.
“It looks like we’ll get Jeremy back this week.
“He still has to get through a couple of sessions, so I’m always a bit nervous about that, but apart from that we’re going pretty well.”
Selwood acknowledged that much of the criticism levelled at the club was largely borne from lofty expectations set both externally and within the walls of the club.
“We appreciate the high standard and we expect to be contending each year as we continue to say,” he said.
“But we understand that sides will continue to get better and you have to show up each week and play really good footy.”
West Coast, which returned to form with a 27-point win over Collingwood, looms as a litmus test for the Cats.
“We haven’t had a look at them this week, but I do usually keep a close on teams that I think will be up there and they are one of them,” Selwood said.
“They’ve lost a couple of key players in there team but they seem to find the next one in line and we’re expecting West Coast to bring their best.”
Selwood confirmed he will play after copping a “stinger” to the shoulder against the Roos, while he has also backed champion Patrick Dangerfield to overcome a leg issue.
“We weren’t in (at the club) yesterday (Monday) so I’m not sure where it’s at,” Selwood said of Dangerfield.
“He’ll give himself the best chance to get up (for that game), that’s all I know.”