The Player - In his seven years in the AFL system, Cameron Wood has enjoyed cameos in Brisbane and Collingwood's senior teams without ever cementing his place in the starting line up. The closest he came to being the first choice ruckman was in 2008 and 2009 when he strung together 13 senior matches. Opportunities have been scarce since the arrival of Darren Jolly, although he assumed seniority while Jolly was injured in 2011. He has a great reach and his tapwork, when on song, is of the highest quality. Wood has been working on improving his work around the ground, and he is capable when pushing forward as he showed late in 2011. With the retirement of Leigh Brown, Wood is the most experienced option to slot straight back into the senior team in 2012.
2011
Was given constant opportunities throughout the year (12 games) but lacked continuity. Rucked well in the absence of the injured Jolly, and had a career-high 40 hitouts against St Kilda in round 11 (as well as five tackles). Faded from the scene when Jolly returned in round 15, and played only four more matches thereafter. Helped himself to three goals in round 23 against the Dockers in Perth, but was omitted a week later.
2010
The recruitment of Darren Jolly and presence of Fraser meant opportunities were limited for Wood in the club’s premiership year. His year was halted by a finger injury in the early rounds. Played all four matches between rounds seven and 10, kicking two goals against Fremantle in round eight, but didn’t reappear for the rest of the year. By then, Jolly had assumed the No 1 ruck mantle with Fraser anointed his primary back up. Played 15 VFL matches but was only named an emergency once.
2009
Made a slow start to the season, playing four VFL matches and not earning a call up until the loss to Carlton in round eight. Impressed greatly over in Perth with 23 disposals against West Coast. Was in and out of the side for the next eight weeks until Fraser was sidelined with a knee injury.
Strung seven games together and improved with each outing, highlighted by a 24 disposal, 19 hitout, two goal performance against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium that illustrated his potential. Was omitted for the qualifying final against St Kilda but quickly reinstated when Fraser again succumbed to knee troubles. Was important in the second half against the Crows in the semi final, but subdued against Geelong in the preliminary final.
2008
Partnered Josh Fraser in the early going and made an impressive start at his new club. Held his place for the first eight rounds, winning 16 hitouts against St Kilda. Had a stint in the VFL before winning a reprieve in round 13, partnering Chris Bryan in Fraser’s absence. Returned to the VFL side in round 18 and stayed there for the remainder of the year.
2007
Played in the NAB Cup Grand Final for the Lions and was a key part of their early season plans. Was the AFL Rising Star nomination for round two (five disposals, 11 hitouts) but only managed four games after round four, including the final two of the season. In need of a ruckman after delisting Guy Richards, Collingwood came calling during trade week. Wood was traded to Collingwood in exchange for pick 14, seeking greater opportunity.
2006
Only played two matches in the opening 17 rounds, but bobbed up in the ruck in round 18 where he stayed for the rest of the season. Didn’t set the world on fire, but showed enough promise to encourage the Brisbane coaching staff.
2005
Made his debut in round five against the Eagles (seven disposals, eight hitouts) as a late replacement for Jamie Charman. Spent the rest of his year in the Lions’ reserve grade side in the AFLQ league.
2004
Played for West Adelaide in the SANFL, where he spent time in the senior side and was an All-Australian at the National U18 Championships. Was drafted to the Brisbane Lions with the 18th pick at the National Draft after he was tipped to be selected in the top 10.
AFL Debut
Round 5, 2005 (Brisbane v West Coast) at the Gabba.
Collingwood Debut
Round 1, 2008 v Fremantle at the MCG.
Milestones
- 50th Game - Round 9 2011 v Adelaide at Docklands Stadium.
Draft History
2004 AFL Draft 1st round selection (Brisbane) No 18 overall;
2007 AFL Draft traded by Brisbane for pick 14 (Jack Grimes).
