BREAKING NEWS: Collingwood Executive General Manager of Football Charlie Gardiner Explains why Darcy Cameron Won the E.W. Copeland Trophy…….. Read More
The Collingwood Football Club celebrated one of its most important nights of the year as the E.W. Copeland Trophy was awarded to ruckman Darcy Cameron, recognizing him as the club’s best and fairest player for the season. The announcement was met with thunderous applause from teammates, staff, and supporters, while Collingwood’s Executive General Manager of Football, Charlie Gardiner, offered a detailed explanation of why Cameron’s name stood out above all others.
For Cameron, the recognition represents the pinnacle of a season filled with consistency, sacrifice, and determination. For Collingwood, it highlights a player whose impact went far beyond statistics, shaping the identity of the team on and off the field.
Darcy has given everything for this club in 2025,” Gardiner said. “He was a constant presence, week after week, delivering not only in the ruck but also around the ground. What made him stand out was not just his technical performance, but his leadership, resilience, and the example he set for his teammates.
Gardiner stressed that the Copeland Trophy is about more than individual brilliance; it is about embodying Collingwood’s values. He praised Cameron for showing grit in difficult moments, particularly when the squad faced injuries and form challenges. “He anchored our midfield, competed tirelessly, and brought stability when we needed it most,” Gardiner added.
Cameron’s journey to this point has been years in the making. Initially considered a depth player after arriving from Sydney, he steadily built a reputation as a reliable contributor. In 2025, however, he took his game to an entirely new level.
Week after week, Cameron dominated contests in the ruck, providing first use to Collingwood’s midfielders and applying pressure around the ground. His ability to push forward, take contested marks, and hit the scoreboard added another layer to his impact.
Beyond the numbers, it was his composure in high-pressure moments that impressed coaches and teammates alike. Whether in close finishes or during periods when the team’s confidence wavered, Cameron’s presence gave Collingwood belief.
The Copeland Trophy, first awarded in 1927, is one of the most respected individual honors in Australian football. Past winners include Collingwood legends such as Nathan Buckley, Dane Swan, and Scott Pendlebury. To join that list is to secure a place in club history.
Gardiner acknowledged the weight of the achievement. “When you look at the names who have won this before, it’s a list of Collingwood greats. Darcy thoroughly deserves to be among them. His season exemplifies what it means to wear the black and white.
Cameron’s teammates were quick to celebrate his achievement. Captain Darcy Moore described him as “the ultimate teammate,” noting that his selflessness and reliability were as valuable as his ruck dominance. “He puts the team first in everything he does,” Moore said. “He inspires us not only with his play but with his attitude every day at training.
Fans were equally thrilled. Social media lit up with congratulatory messages, many noting that Cameron’s consistency had been crucial to Collingwood’s competitiveness throughout the season. For supporters, the award was also seen as a fitting recognition for a player who has often worked in the background, away from the spotlight.
When presented with the award, Cameron remained characteristically humble. “Winning the Copeland is something I never thought I’d achieve when I first walked into this club,” he admitted. “It’s an incredible honor, but this belongs as much to my teammates and coaches as it does to me. Without their support and guidance, I wouldn’t be standing here.
He also acknowledged the fans, thanking them for their unwavering loyalty. “The energy you bring to every game pushes us to be better. This award is for you as much as it is for me.
Gardiner concluded his remarks by noting that the club sees Cameron as a central figure in its future. “Darcy has entered his prime, and we believe his best football is still ahead of him. This Copeland Trophy is not just recognition of what he has achieved this season but also a signal of the leadership and influence he will continue to bring in the years to come.
For Collingwood, the night celebrated not only Cameron’s individual brilliance but also the values that continue to drive the team forward. For Cameron himself, it was the ultimate reward for persistence, professionalism, and passion.
As the cheers echoed through the room, one thing was clear: Darcy Cameron’s name now sits proudly among Collingwood’s greats, etched into history through the honor of the E.W. Copeland Trophy.