They say opportunity comes once in a lifetime, so it’s little wonder that Cameron Wood is still in disbelief at the turns his life has taken.  

At 27, Wood has been named to make his debut for Carlton in Friday night’s Round 18 match against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium. 

His journey to the navy blue jumper has been somewhat of a rollercoaster. 

After stints at Brisbane and Collingwood, Wood played his last AFL game in Round 22, 2012. He was delisted at the end of that season and understandably believed his AFL career was over. But after a season playing some consistent football for Williamstown in the VFL during 2013, he decided to have one last crack – and it paid off. 

Carlton, to the surprise of many including Wood himself, drafted the ruckman with pick No. 28 in last year’s rookie draft. At 204cm tall and with 64 AFL games under his belt, he was considered good insurance should Matthew Kreuzer or Robbie Warnock succumb to injury. 

Fast forward eight months and another string of impressive outings in the VFL, and Wood has earned a call-up to Carlton’s senior side. He’ll shoulder the ruck duties against the Kangaroos after being elevated to the senior list, following Cameron Giles being placed on the Blues' long-term injury list.  


Cameron Wood does battle with former Blues ruckman Barnaby French in 2006. (Photo: AFL Photos)

With a smile from ear to ear after being told the news, it’s fair to say Wood was over the moon. 

“It’s been a big whirlwind,” Wood said of his year at Carlton. “It’s been a long journey since December when I was rookie listed, and being picked up by Carlton came unexpectedly.

“Five days after being drafted I was off to Arizona and then played in the NAB Cup. 

“It was always a goal to make it into the senior side, and I always thought I was in with a chance if I could string some good games together, so I’ve just focused on playing as consistently as I can. 

“Being named to play Friday is just unbelievable.”

Wood will line up on Roos ruckman Todd Goldstein, a 26-year-old 117-game veteran who is ranked fourth overall in the league for total hitouts. Last week Goldstein enjoyed his best game so far this season, with 20 disposals, 48 hitouts and two goals against St Kilda. 

The two big men have played on each other before.

“We’ve lined up against each other in both the AFL and VFL, so I know how he plays,” Wood said. “I actually watched his game against the Saints really closely last week – glad I did!”

And watching Wood’s game closely from the stands at Etihad Stadium will be the first person he planned to call with the good news – his Mum – who is making the journey over from Adelaide.