Darcy Cameron says he’s determined to learn from the tough lessons endured during his injury-wrecked debut season and make a serious play for a place in the senior team.
The 22-year-old, who was recruited with pick 48 in last year's AFL Draft, impressed the coaches in the JLT Community Series enough to throw his name in the mix for a first-round debut.
But a lacerated hand, suffered in a practice match two weeks earlier, ended those hopes.
The 203cm big man picked up where he left off with outstanding form in the NEAFL only for an injury in Round 11 to derail what was firming as a promising first year in the system.
Cameron tackled opposite number Dawson Simpson in the Swans’ cross-town clash with GWS, he landed awkwardly and dislocated his shoulder.
He underwent surgery to repair the labral tear, then a “frustrating” and demanding three-month recovery period followed.
“I was so focused on trying to impress the coaches and give myself the best possible start and crack into the senior team,” Cameron said.
“To suffer that injury, very early in the season, was pretty disappointing.
“As soon as that happened, and I knew my season was going to be cut short, the focus turned to just getting my body into better shape. I almost took it as a lesson.”
With time on his hands, Cameron tackled rehab as professionally and devotedly as possible.
It was, at the same time, a steep learning curve and unchartered territory given the Western Australian had missed only one game in his draft year and not too many more previously.
In hindsight, Cameron talks positively about the setback and treats it as a blessing in disguise.
“It could have been worse,” he said. “It could have happened in 2016 and I probably wouldn’t have landed at the Swans.”
With his shoulder and body back to full strength, Cameron is growing in confidence as each training block, gym session and line meeting passes by this pre-season.
Cameron hopes this momentum can propel him forward and help him achieve some lingering goals, including a first-round debut and the prized number one ruck spot.
“We all have that in our minds,” Cameron said of the ruck department featuring himself, Kurt Tippett, Callum Sinclair and Sam Naismith.
“We all get along very well, but when we go home at night we’re all wanting that position.
“I want to play Round 1, I want a game under my belt and hopefully many more – that’ll be a dream come true.
“But it’s week to week for me. I just need to get through pre-season then, hopefully, play in more JLT games and look towards Round 1.”
Cameron has just arrived back from a three-day training camp in Narrabeen with his fellow development players and coaches.
