Geelong key forward Jeremy Cameron has revealed there is a "big possibility" he could miss his side's Round 1 clash against Collingwood should the match coincide with the birth of his first child.
Cameron, who is coming off a 65-goal season that helped steer Geelong to the premiership, has revealed that he and his partner Indi are expecting the birth of their child in the early rounds of the home and away season.
The 29-year-old could join partner-in-crime Tom Hawkins in missing the Cats' season opener at the MCG against the Magpies on Friday, March 17, with the latter in a race against the clock to overcome a foot injury in time for the game.
The duo combined for 132 goals last year, five of which came in the season-deciding win over Sydney, to be recognised as members of the 2022 All-Australian team alongside fellow forward Tyson Stengle and defensive pair Tom Stewart and Mark Blicavs.
The Cats could begin their premiership defence without their star forward pairing however, with Cameron to prioritise the birth of his firstborn over playing duties.
“The baby is due either Round 1, 2, or 3,” Cameron told media on Monday.
“It's a very exciting time, so it's (missing a game) definitely a big possibility. I've always been really clear that that'll come first and if that's the case I'll be staying with her, that's for sure."
The blockbuster clash between Geelong and Collingwood will see both sides return to the MCG six months on from their thrilling qualifying final clash last September, an outing where Cameron was pivotal with three goals from his 17 disposals.
His potential absence may open the door for Magpie-turned-Cat Oliver Henry to make his Geelong debut against his former club, having requested a trade to Kardinia Park after two seasons in the black and white.
With both Hawkins and Cameron seen as a chance to miss the match, coupled with a recent ankle sprain to fringe forward-ruck option Shannon Neale, Henry could be tasked to lead Geelong's attack in his first appearance with the Cats.
He could still be handed a game alongside Cameron, who has plenty of father figures that have given some indication of balancing work-life with parenthood.
“There's a fair few," Cameron said. "Most of them have about three."
“Last year I saw Isaac (Smith) sleeping at certain times before a few pretty big games and you could tell they'd had a late night.
“From what I've heard having one, hopefully, the baby is a really good sleeper, is ok, but when you have three or four the hands are really full.”
2023 will see Cameron enter his third season with Geelong, where he could bring up the 600th goal of his AFL career after booting 427 with GWS and a further 104 so far with the Cats.
