The out-of-form Lion who needs a powerful Preliminary Final performance

Brisbane’s Charlie Cameron must step up in this weekend’s Preliminary Final, according to Brad Johnson.

Cameron has managed to hit the scoreboard in this year’s finals series, kicking multiple goals in both Lions games.

However, he still hasn’t quite been his electrifying self and has failed to impact games as much as he has done in the past. 

This season Cameron is averaging 1.6 goals per game, which is his lowest average since the 2020 season, which featured shorter quarters.

Hall of Fame Bulldog Johnson was asked who he believes has to stand up and have a strong performance on Preliminary Final weekend.

He named Cameron as that player as the Lions look to overcome Geelong at the MCG on Saturday.

“I think if we’re looking at someone who’s been completely down that needs a powerful performance, Charlie Cameron is one that needs a powerful performance for the Brisbane Lions,” Brad said on SEN’s Sportsday.

“He kicked a couple last weekend (against GWS), but still wasn’t lively in his approach to the contest, which we’re so used to.

“I know it’s been a challenging year for him, and he hasn’t found that spark consistently.

“In particular (for the Lions), Charlie Cameron has to fire.”

Kane Cornes then gave an example of how his former Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams would attempt to spark talented players like Charlie Cameron.

“With a player as talented as Charlie Cameron, he used to get them on the vision on the Monday review, and when they didn’t have the ball, when they were chasing, he’d show that, and then he’d show the contrasting vision of when they were a chance to get the footy,” Cornes said.

“Then he’d say, 'are you telling me you are running as fast as you would if you were going to get the football as you are when you’re chasing an opponent?'

“You are the fastest footballer on the planet, there is no way you are running as fast as you would if you were about to get a 'Joe the Goose' over the top running into an open goal and kicking a left foot snap.

“That is as simple as it may be to get Charlie going. There is something just off with his performance, and maybe he turns one on the MCG.”

The Lions, who remain a chance to avenge their 2023 Grand Final loss, will face the Cats this Saturday at the MCG in a massive Preliminary Final clash from 5:15pm AEST.