In 2019, Charlie Cameron propelled himself from a dangerous small forward to the leading goalkicker for the Lions, All-Australian forward and one of the most electrifying players in the AFL.
After missing the second half of the year in 2018 due to injury, the speedy forward was straight back to business in 2019. From the get-go in Round 1 against West Coast, Cameron booted three goals in the Lions epic win over the then reigning Premiers, including a Goal of the Year contender.
From Round 1 onward, Cameron proved to be the X-factor in the Lions forward line, averaging 2.4 goals per game and kicking a career high six goals against the Gold Coast in Round 21.
In 2019, Cameron kicked 57 goals, the highest number of goals kicked at the Lions since Jonathan Brown in 2009. His second-highest haul was 29 in 2017 when he played for the Crows.
Arguably, the small forward’s greatest individual achievement for the year came when he was selected in the 2019 All-Australian team.
“I feel really proud to receive my first blazer alongside Harris and Lachie,” Cameron said.
For the first time in his career, the 25-year-old polled votes in the Brownlow Medal, finishing with 11 total. He also finished sixth in the Brisbane Lions’ 2019 Club Champion.
Not only did Cameron become a fan-favourite as a result of his talent, his now iconic motorbike handlebar celebration became a crowd favourite at The Gabba.
“It’s from the New Orleans Saints and they do a celebration in the change rooms,” he revealed to The Roar Deal earlier this year.
Cameron is contracted with the Lions until at least the end of 2023.