Jeremy Cameron reminded everyone why he remains one of the most dangerous forwards in Australian football on Friday night, kicking 10 goals to lead Geelong to a thumping 131-56 win over the Western Bulldogs at Kardinia Park. It was only the second time in Cameron's career that he has reached double figures, and the performance puts him squarely in the Coleman Medal conversation.
A Masterclass from the Opening Bounce
Cameron was unstoppable from the first quarter, kicking two goals before the first change and then exploding with five majors in a devastating second term. By halftime Geelong led by 57 points and Cameron had seven goals to his name. The Bulldogs, missing several key players to injury, simply had no answers.
He added his eighth and ninth in the third quarter before the real drama arrived in the dying seconds of the match. With the crowd on its feet willing him to 10, Cameron marked inside 50 and slotted a trademark snap to bring up the milestone as the siren sounded. Kardinia Park erupted.
The Cats finished with 131 points for the afternoon, their highest score of the season. The Bulldogs managed just 56, with their defence torn apart by Cameron's movement and Geelong's clinical ball delivery inside 50.
Kolodjashnij's 200th
Lost in the Cameron headlines was a moment that meant just as much to the Geelong faithful. Defender Jake Kolodjashnij celebrated his 200th game by drifting forward in the fourth quarter and kicking just the fifth goal of his career. Every teammate mobbed him, and the crowd gave a standing ovation to one of the club's most consistent performers over the past decade.
What This Means for Punters
Cameron's 10-goal bag has tightened the Coleman Medal market significantly. He now sits among the top three goalkickers for the season and his odds have shortened across most AFL futures markets. Geelong's percentage of 116 after the win keeps them in the top eight conversation, while the Bulldogs slipped to 4-2 after what was an injury-affected performance. The full AFL Round 6 results and updated ladder show Sydney, Fremantle and Hawthorn all on 20 points at the top.
Round 7 shapes as a crucial week for several clubs sitting on the eight-win bubble. Punters looking at match markets should pay close attention to the Bulldogs' injury list before their next outing.