GIANTS announce Cameron as coach

The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS are pleased to announce the appointment of Leon Cameron as the club’s new Senior Assistant Coach.

GIANTS Chief Executive David Matthews said Cameron had signed a four year contract and would succeed Kevin Sheedy as Head Coach at the end of 2013.

Matthews said the GIANTS were delighted that Cameron had agreed to join the club and take up one of the most exciting opportunities in Australian football.

“After a distinguished playing career, Leon has served an extensive coaching apprenticeship with the Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn. He has many outstanding attributes as a coach but also as a person and will make a wonderful addition to this club,” Matthews said.

“The next 12 months will give him an opportunity to work closely with one of the greatest coaches of all time in Kevin Sheedy and develop our young playing list before becoming Head Coach in 2014.”

Chairman Tony Shepherd said the announcement followed approval by the board after an extensive search by a selection panel comprising General Manager of Football Graeme Allan, director Gus Seebeck, Kevin Sheedy, David Matthews and himself.

Shepherd said the GIANTS were in discussions with Kevin Sheedy about a major role at the club beyond 2013.

“Since he came to Sydney at the end of 2009 on a three year contract,　　Kevin Sheedy has worked tirelessly to build this club. Nobody has given more to the GIANTS than Kevin and we felt it was important to re-appoint him as Head Coach for 2013 and we see him having a significant, long term role with the GIANTS,” Shepherd said.

Cameron, 40, said he was thrilled to be joining the GIANTS. “To be involved in such an exciting journey for the game in Western Sydney and Canberra and also develop an outstanding young playing list was too good an opportunity to pass up,” he said.

“To work with one of the greats in Kevin Sheedy will be a perfect way to prepare for my senior coaching career and I’m now looking forward to pre-season training and getting the team ready for what will be a very exciting year ahead.”

Sheedy said he couldn’t think of anyone better prepared to join the GIANTS and take on the challenge of building the AFL’s newest club.

“Leon is a very impressive young man who has done a thorough apprenticeship with two AFL clubs and enjoyed success with both of them.　　I’m looking forward to working closely with him over the next 12 months and taking this very talented playing list to the next level.”

LEON CAMERON BIOGRAPHY

Drafted with selection seven in 1988 national draft and played 172 games and kicked 68 goals for Western Bulldogs between 1990 and 1999, winning the Charlie Sutton Medal for best and fairest player in 1993.

Joined Richmond in 2000 playing a further 84 games and kicking 40 goals over four seasons.

Assistant Coach of Western Bulldogs from 2004-10 before joining Hawthorn as Assistant Coach in 2011