Geelong might have beaten Melbourne by 39 points on Friday night, but AFL great Matthew Lloyd isn’t convinced the Cats are genuine premiership contenders in 2025 - at least not while Jeremy Cameron is being played away from goal.
The 2019 Coleman medallist has spent more time pushing up the ground this season, and while it’s given him more touches, Lloyd believes it’s hurting the team’s forward structure and loading too much pressure onto veteran Patrick Dangerfield.
‘Roaming Jeremy’ not the solution
"I haven't liked the way [Cameron has] been used by [coach] Chris Scott," Lloyd said on Access.
"I think he has the licence to roam up the field. But you tell me if these stats are impressive: 22 disposals, he took seven marks, only one of them were inside forward 50 and 41 per cent of his disposals were in the back half of the ground."
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Cameron opened the season with a dominant four-goal haul against Fremantle, but has managed just three goals across his next three outings. Lloyd argues that his presence closer to the goal is vital if Geelong are serious about challenging for silverware.
"Dangerfield was my best on ground [against Melbourne], but you can't ask for Dangerfield to be your No.1 forward," Lloyd said. "Shannon Neale isn't performing. They need Jeremy Cameron back, kicking four or five goals to challenge him."
The Cats currently sit with a 2-2 record, and although they were convincing against a struggling Demons side, Lloyd remains sceptical—especially in light of earlier defeats to St Kilda and Brisbane.
"(The win over Melbourne) was against the bottom six side and in previous weeks they've lost games against St Kilda and against Brisbane," Lloyd said. "I think at times [let him roam], but he's being in defence far too often."
"If Cameron continues to be 'roaming Jeremy' in season 2025 … Geelong can't win this premiership."