Sharks in the AFL: Cameron Zurhaar

A new state, a new footy club, 40-odd new team mates and Cameron Zurhaar is loving it all.

The 18-year-old was picked up by North Melbourne in the 2016 Rookie Draft and has since made the move east to start his AFL career.

“I’ve really enjoyed the transition into AFL footy,” Zurhaar said. 

“It’s pretty full on with training every single day, but overall I’m loving it.” 

“That would have to be the biggest challenge so far, just getting used to the amount of and intensity of training.”

Having an experienced mentor helps, especially when that mentor is veteran, Brent ‘Boomer’ Harvey, who holds the record for the most AFL games played.

“He’s really helping out the first years; it’s kind of his position at the club.” 

“At our Tuesday training he shadowed me around, coming to each drill and helping with positioning and some of the other technical aspects around the field.”  

While many would find the move east to be a shock to the system, Zurhaar has settled in well.

“I actually like the weather here better than Perth at the moment.”

 “I probably won’t say that when it hits winter and starts raining.”

“But I’m pretty lucky because I’m really good mates with the other first year players.”

During last week’s interclub scratch match, Zurhaar managed to boot three majors.

“I’ve been playing up forward and am pretty happy that I’ve been able to kick a few goals.”

The Roos take on Sydney in the first round of the JTL Community Series, in which Zurhaar will be pushing for selection.  Many, if not all of the AFL clubs, like to challenge some of their younger players through that pre-season competition to see where they are at and knowing the fiercely competitive nature of one C.Zurhaar he will relish that chance if selected.  

Next week: Fremantle Rookie Luke Strnadica