Why Cameron repeated a phrase three times in a seven-minute press conference

Charlie Cameron says he is ready to cast aside his form woes, revealing how his game will evolve as he seeks to prove he can still “match it with the best”.

The Brisbane Lions champion repeated that phrase three times in a seven-minute press conference on Thursday, having issued a reminder of his credentials on grand final day last year.

But until his four-goal heroics helped conquer Geelong and deliver a second-straight AFL premiership, the Cameron who had earned two All-Australian blazers appeared lost.

“It was disappointing, I didn’t live up to the standard I want,” Cameron admitted ahead of Saturday night’s opening-round clash against the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba.

“I’ve got a lot more focus this year on coming back in the right mindset, with a bit of confidence from the grand final that I can still match it with the best.

“I took a lot of confidence out of that … I want to prove to myself that I can still match it with the best.”

In 2025, Cameron yielded his lowest statistical output since the COVID-plagued 17-round 2020 season, kicking 32 goals and averaging 9.6 disposals – 3.5 contested – a game.

The 31-year-old said he spent much of his off-season in fitness training with Ryan Lester, Dayne Zorko and Harris Andrews in a bid to ensure he could remain a more frequent presence around the ball.

The early fruits of that were on show during the Lions’ preseason hit-out against the Gold Coast Suns, as he pushed further up field – his 18 disposals the most he had achieved since round eight in 2018.

“I feel like I’ve got a good-enough take now to be able to get up the ground and have an influence up there, and obviously get back to goal as well and challenge my defenders there,” Cameron said, when asked if coverage across the park would be expected of him in 2026.

Cameron’s form drew the ire of critics last season – particularly his qualifying final efforts against the Cats, in which after kicking an early goal he registered just one more touch.

“I think everyone probably expects me to kick goals here and there, and kick 50 or 60 goals a year, but I was trying to go for the team approach last year and try to do the little things for the team – tackle pressure and bringing a bit of energy to the group,” Cameron said.

“I didn’t have the impact I wanted with the offensive side, but little things throughout the game I can take positives from.

“I think the little opportunities throughout the game where I can have an influence, I bring it back to my pressure and speed, and off the back of that, just reacting.

“I know my offence can take care of itself. It’s a new, a different approach in understanding and I can’t wait to show everyone I can still match it with the best.”

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