AFL 2023: All the latest from pre-season clubs; Jeremy Cameron round 1 selection drama

Cameron and his partner Indiana Putra are expecting their first baby in March, with the Cats’ first game of 2023 against the Magpies on Friday, March 17 at the MCG.

“It’s definitely a big possibility,” Cameron said Monday. “I’ve always been very clear that that comes first and I think it’s lucky it’s not in the finals so it’s not really talked about very well, but if that were the case I’d definitely be there you stay.”

Cameron had a big word in both encounters against the Pies last season, scoring three goals in an influential Qualifying Finals win and six majors in a Round 3 comeback win.

It comes as Cameron declared that the Cats, clearly the best team in 2022, would develop again with a new and improved style of play under coach Chris Scott that showcases faster ball movement and more explosive attacking play.

Cameron, whose 65-goal season was the highest since winning the Coleman Medal in 2019, said the club will not look the same in 2023.

“I think there will only be small tweaks along the way,” he said. “We will not change anything to extremes, we will not make massive changes.

“But there are definitely ways we can improve, little things like the staff could be different, there are so many different things to look at but it’s just a matter of tweaking things.

“The rest of the competition is probably keeping an eye on what we did last year and they could tweak their game, or I know they will.

“It’s difficult but exciting at the same time, it’s very hard to do the same thing every year and expect to get the same result every time because every team is evolving and getting better.”

Cameron’s role as a roving center forward, combined with the Cats’ skillful ball movement, resulted in the superstar having career-high averages for disposals, clearances and assists.

But the gun forward will likely be without his accomplice to start the year as Tom Hawkins is still recovering from off-season foot surgery.

Cameron said the club are in a good position to bridge the absence of their fellow Coleman Medal winners.

“There’s definitely a bunch of young guys coming through, I think ‘Scratchers’ (Shannon Neale) has been training a lot up front and is doing really well,” Cameron said. “Ollie Henry ran really well and just showed his ability in training.”

Originally published as AFL 2023: All the Pre-Season News