Palman Qui Meruit Ferat
Hamstrung in his 300th
As far as 300th games go, Fitzroy footballer Fraser Cameron’s was memorable for all the wrong reasons.
But the Victorian Amateur Football Association can see the funny side of his milestone Premier C game against Rupertswood last weekend, which saw him play 15 minutes in the first quarter before being forced from the field with a hamstring injury.
“I actually did end doing my hamstring fairly early on,” 35 year old Cameron said. “It was a bit embarrassing’ (But) I was convinced by the coach to come back on at the end and as luck would have it I managed to kick a goal, albeit a cheap one but it was an amusing way to end of the match.”
The clash was at Rupertswood’s home at Salesian College in Sunbury making it a hefty drive for a short appearance for Cameron who lives in McRae. Starting his VAFA football career at Old Trinity in 1992, Cameron played 247 matches in under-19’s, reserves and seniors before crossing to Fitzroy in 2007. He coached the club’s reserves in 2007-08, with the clash against Rupertswood his 53rd for Fitzroy. He said he had crossed to Fitzroy with an eye to gaining coaching experience. Despite handing away his reserves coaching role at Fitzroy last season, Cameron said he hoped to coach again. “Once I hang up the boots I’ll look to coach within the association, depending on what’s available.”
“Naming the highlights from his 300 games, Fraser said, were playing with Old Trinity in 1996 and 1999. The move to Fitzroy in 2007 had opened his eyes to a different brand of amateur football, Cameron said. “You get people from all over the place, guys from the country, guys from university and kids coming up from juniors. It blends lots of backgrounds, which is great.
It made me realize football is very important to all different kinds of people.”
He added that having the opportunity to play with the club following the incorporation of Fitzroy Reds into the Fitzroy Football Club in 2009 was also an experience to remember.
Cameron is a well-known face within the VAFA, as a scribe for the association’s football record.
“I’m not a journalist of any sort. I’m a barrister and I tend to do more talking that writing.” He said. “(But) I started doing it as something to do on the side and I got to know lots of people within the competition as a side-effect. “I do find it enjoyable.”
Laura Jolly
The Leader May 10th 2010
