In a moment that left fans cheering and teammates applauding, Collingwood ruck-forward Darcy Cameron has been crowned the 2025 recipient of the prestigious E.W. Copeland Trophy — awarded annually to the club’s best and fairest player.
Collingwood Executive General Manager of Football, Charlie Gardiner, addressed the media following the club’s awards night, offering a detailed explanation of why Cameron stood above a highly competitive field to earn the club’s highest individual honour.
“Darcy’s season was nothing short of exceptional,” Gardiner began. “He displayed not only consistency across all four quarters each week, but an extraordinary level of leadership, resilience, and impact in both the ruck and forward line — areas that proved crucial in our campaign this year.”
Cameron, who stepped into the primary ruck role following injuries to key teammates early in the season, thrived under pressure, registering career-best numbers in hit-outs, contested possessions, and score involvements. But according to Gardiner, it was Cameron’s off-field presence that truly completed the picture.
“He’s become one of the cultural pillars of the football club,” Gardiner continued. “Whether it was mentoring younger players, lifting spirits during tough periods, or setting elite standards at training — Darcy embodied everything the Copeland Trophy represents.”
The voting system for the Copeland Trophy, which involves the coaching panel awarding votes after each match based on performance and adherence to team values, saw Cameron consistently polling high across the entire season. His efforts culminated in a stretch of dominant performances during the final third of the season, where he was instrumental in Collingwood’s finals push.
“Darcy’s ability to adapt and thrive in multiple roles, all while maintaining a team-first mentality, is what ultimately put him ahead of others,” Gardiner explained. “He earned the respect of not just the coaches, but his peers as well.”
The win marks a significant personal milestone for Cameron, who joined Collingwood in 2020 after limited opportunities at the Sydney Swans. Over five seasons, he has developed into a cornerstone of the Magpies’ structure — and now, officially, the club’s best and fairest.
As the celebrations continue at the AIA Centre, the sentiment is clear: Darcy Cameron’s 2025 season will be remembered as one of excellence, versatility, and unwavering commitment to the black and white.
