The No. 18 guernsey has changed hands for the first time in the GIANTS’ young history. Meet its new inhabitant: Conor Stone.
In the latest episode of the Becoming GIANT podcast, the No. 15 draftee discusses his decision to step into the number vacated by Jeremy Cameron following his move to Geelong last year.
Stone, drafted from the Oakleigh Chargers and St Kevins College, also reflects on the challenges he faced in 2020 as his school and NAB League seasons were shut down.
“I wore No. 82 at school and didn’t think I was going to get that, but I asked about it and got shut down pretty quickly,” said Stone of his new number.
“It’s pretty big boots to fill but I don’t think it really adds pressure, it’s just another challenge to try and play a similar level of football to what (Cameron) does.
“If I can get anywhere near Jeremy Cameron I think I’ll be going all right. There’s a little bit of pressure there, but what would footy be without it?
“Hopefully a few of the kids still keep Jeremy’s number, but a new jumper’s coming out so they might switch their number.
“There might not be as many but it would be good fun to see a few new No. 18s in the crowd.”
Stone played eight NAB League games for Chargers as a 17-year-old in 2019, kicking five goals on debut, holding his spot and finishing the season playing in a premiership side alongside top two draft picks Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson.
It was an opportunity he felt extra appreciative of once the 2020 season was suspended and then cancelled, leaving him to wonder if and when his name would be called out.
“I’m super grateful for the chance to play in that bottom age year. I think it was good that the Chargers staff had a lot of faith in us younger boys,” Stone said.
“There were 11 or 12 who played in the grand final who were in their bottom age years, and that’s half the team.
“To show that sort of trust in the younger players is pretty good, and it turned out pretty well on draft night in 2020 when we had seven players drafted, and six in the first round as well.”
