Carlton ruckman Cameron Wood is testament that hard work does pay off.
After believing his AFL career was over when he was delisted at the end of 2012, Wood was thrown a lifeline by the Blues in last year’s rookie draft. Following plenty of hard work at training and consistent performances for the Northern Blues, Wood was upgraded to Carlton’s senior list and made his debut in the navy blue in Round 18 against North Melbourne.
Fast forward to last month and “Woody’s” hard work was rewarded with a new two-year contract. Speaking at the Carlton Primary School on Tuesday, the 27-year-old said he plans to continue making the most of his second coming.
“When my manager told me that a two-year deal was on the table even I was a bit surprised, so it came out of nowhere really, but it’s a great show of faith from the Club and I’ll be looking to repay that as much as I can,” Wood said.
Cameron Wood on the training track. (Photo: Carlton Football Club)
“It was great to play a handful of games at the end of the year, but next year going forward, we want to compete and win as many games as possible – and I want to be part of that.”
The race is on in earnest to be Carlton's number one ruckman, with Wood conceding there is some healthy, albeit friendly, competition between himself and fellow ruckmen Matthew Kreuzer and Rob Warnock. The big man believes consistency and versatility will be the key to securing the spot.
“Any player that can only play one position is going to struggle to cement a spot I guess – you’ve got to be pretty flexible and play a few positions,” Wood said.
“But it’s a good thing for the team if there are three guys putting their hand up for the ruck role – it’s going to hold the team in good stead.”
Meanwhile when asked about how teammate Chris Judd is travelling, Wood said the dual Brownlow medalist made the right decision in cancelling his retirement plans.
“Juddy came back probably in the best nick of all the players,” Wood said.
“He looked like one of the young draftees flying around the track early on, so anyone who thought he was still hesitant about whether to go on next year – well he’s put that beyond doubt.”
