Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has lauded the performance of star forward Charlie Cameron, comparing him to Hawthorn great Cyril Rioli.
Cameron dominated the Suns on Saturday night in his side's 91-point win, booting a career-high six goals.
‘In terms of impact on the game, he was huge. It was a bit of an arm wrestle early, and he was the difference,’’ Fagan told reporters post-match.
Fagan coached at Hawthorn from 2008-2016 and sees traits of Rioli in Cameron.
‘‘It’s good to sit back and watch him. I had the great pleasure of watching Cyril Rioli for a number of years at Hawthorn.
‘‘Charlie’s up there [with Cyril] in the sort of things that he can do. He doesn’t need many touches to influence a game, he’s a popular member and brings pressure.’’
Cameron now has 47 goals for the year to sit equal fifth in the Coleman race with Jack Darling.
Fagan praised the 25-year old for his impressive season.
‘‘They are big numbers,’’ Fagan said. ‘‘Fifty goals is hard to get these days for any forward, the way the game is played and the way teams defend, so for him to do that is exceptional.’’
The Lions coach was proud of his team's efforts against the Suns as they continue their fairytale top four run.
‘‘I thought tonight was a really good four-quarter effort, I’d have to say that,’’ he said.
‘‘The most pleasing aspect was our pressure across the four quarters, we’ve finished the night with 82 tackles, I thought that was terrific.
‘‘The important part was not so much how much we won by, but the manner in which we played, and I thought you couldn’t ask much more from the players tonight than what they gave.’’
