BREAKING NEWS: Collingwood Star Ruck Darcy Cameron Wants to Stay at Pies Despite West Coast’s Interest When Moving to Perth
In a stunning show of loyalty, Collingwood star ruckman Darcy Cameron has declared his intention to remain with the Magpies—even as the West Coast Eagles express serious interest in luring him back to his home state of Western Australia.
Cameron, 28, has been a pivotal figure in Collingwood’s rise to premiership contention in recent seasons. With his contract set to expire at the end of 2025, speculation had mounted that he might return west, particularly amid reports that he was preparing for a personal move to Perth to be closer to family. That speculation only intensified when the Eagles, in desperate need of experienced ruck support, reportedly tabled a multi-year deal with significant financial incentives to lure the 204cm big man.
But Cameron has made it clear: his heart remains at the AIA Centre in Melbourne.
“I’m a Pie—and I want to stay that way”
Speaking candidly to media on Saturday morning, Cameron addressed the swirling rumors with a sense of calm resolve.
“Yes, Perth is home,” he said. “It’s where I grew up, it’s where my family is. But Collingwood has become another kind of home for me. The culture, the club, the fans—everything about being a Magpie is something I take great pride in. I want to stay.”
Cameron admitted that a move back to Perth for lifestyle and family reasons has been on his mind for some time, but emphasized that professional satisfaction and team culture at Collingwood remain the driving forces behind his decision.
“It’s not just about where you live,” he said. “It’s about where you feel valued, challenged, and inspired to be your best. Collingwood has given me that opportunity, and I’m not done here.”
A Critical Role in Collingwood’s Engine Room
Since joining the Magpies in 2020 from Sydney, Cameron has steadily grown into one of the club’s most reliable and impactful big men. Initially seen as a backup option, his partnership with Brodie Grundy and later Mason Cox evolved into a defining feature of Collingwood’s midfield strategy.
But when Grundy departed and injuries left Cox in and out of the lineup, Cameron stepped up in a major way—becoming the club’s primary ruck option. His ability to win hit-outs, cover ground, and impact the scoreboard has made him a dual-threat ruck/forward in an evolving AFL landscape that demands versatility.
In 2023 and 2024, Cameron averaged over 28 hit-outs and 13 disposals per game, consistently giving first use to stars like Nick Daicos, Jordan De Goey, and Jack Crisp. His leadership, physical presence, and football IQ have earned him respect across the league.
“Darcy is the kind of player every coach wants,” Collingwood head coach Craig McRae said. “He’s tough, smart, selfless—and he bleeds black and white. We’ve built a foundation here, and he’s a big part of that.”
West Coast’s Ongoing Rebuild
It’s easy to see why the West Coast Eagles have targeted Cameron. With Nic Naitanui retired and Bailey Williams still developing, the Eagles are crying out for a seasoned ruckman who can help stabilize their young midfield group.
According to multiple AFL sources, West Coast has been in frequent contact with Cameron’s management over the past six months and were prepared to offer a four-year deal reportedly worth north of $2 million. The move would have made him one of the most well-compensated ruckmen in the AFL.
The Eagles, currently deep in a rebuild, are searching for both talent and leadership. Cameron, a Perth native who played his junior footy with North Albany and represented WA at youth levels, seemed like the perfect fit.
But the loyalty factor, combined with his deep connection to Collingwood’s inner circle, proved too strong for the Eagles to overcome—for now.
The Magpies’ Response
Internally, Collingwood has been aware of West Coast’s pursuit for months. The club has already opened extension talks with Cameron’s management, with sources indicating that a new three-year deal could be finalized before finals begin.
“The club has always made it clear we want Darcy to stay,” said football boss Graham Wright. “He’s not just an important piece of our team structurally—he’s a culture driver. We respect that he has personal reasons to consider, but we’re confident we can continue building something special together.”
It is believed that Collingwood is also offering off-field support to help Cameron stay connected with family in WA, including flexibility during off-seasons and structured leave during key non-match weeks.
What Comes Next?
While the drama seems to have settled, at least temporarily, questions remain.
If Cameron does eventually make the move west—either in 2026 or later—what will that mean for the Magpies’ ruck stocks? Young guns like Aiden Begg and Oscar Steene are still developing, and while Mason Cox remains on the list, his career is in its twilight.
For now, though, the Pies can breathe a little easier.
“Darcy’s decision is a massive vote of confidence in where we’re heading,” said captain Darcy Moore. “It’s a great message to the group, the fans, and the footy world. We’re building something here—and we’re doing it together.”
A Lesson in Loyalty
In an AFL era increasingly dominated by big-money offers, trade rumors, and short-term deals, Darcy Cameron’s commitment to the black and white is refreshing.
He could have chased the money. He could have moved closer to home. But he chose culture over comfort. Loyalty over leverage.
And in doing so, he’s further cemented his legacy—not just as a ruckman, but as a Magpie for life.
As the 2025 season heats up and finals draw near, Cameron’s presence in the middle will be crucial to Collingwood’s premiership hopes. And if his latest declaration is anything to go by, the best may still
be yet to come—for both him and the team he proudly calls home.
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