DIG
Brownlow Medallist
I guess he was a punt of a draftee anyway - we win some, we lose some.
Croad quits Blues
30 April 2004 Herald Sun
Michael Stevens
CAMERON Croad, one of Carlton's promising band of young players, has walked out on the Blues.
It's understood, Croad, 20, younger brother of Hawthorn's Trent, has become disillusioned with football and wants to travel overseas.
Carlton has told him to take a month off and think about his future.
Croad, taken at No. 60 in the 2002 national draft, has not been at Optus Oval for two weeks.
Carlton media manager Ian Coutts confirmed yesterday Croad had been told to take time off.
"He's having a rest," Coutts said.
"He's got a knee injury and he's had a few issues and we've said, 'Look, take a few weeks off and see how you go'.
"He hasn't been required to come into training or anything."
It is understood Croad has been managing his knee injury with cortisone injections since the pre-season.
He has also undergone reconstructions on both shoulders, one when he was playing with Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup.
Former Oakleigh coach John Lamont said he was disappointed to hear Croad had walked out.
"He's probably an athlete first, like Trent," Lamont said.
"Great athletic qualities but didn't have that natural footy nous, I suppose . . . where to run and what to do at given times.
"He's got pace and a beautiful kick but being in Trent's shadow didn't help him."
Lamont said he doubted Croad was mentally tough enough to make it at AFL level.
"He's a terrific kid and a natural athlete but not a natural competitor," Lamont said.
Croad quits Blues
30 April 2004 Herald Sun
Michael Stevens
CAMERON Croad, one of Carlton's promising band of young players, has walked out on the Blues.
It's understood, Croad, 20, younger brother of Hawthorn's Trent, has become disillusioned with football and wants to travel overseas.
Carlton has told him to take a month off and think about his future.
Croad, taken at No. 60 in the 2002 national draft, has not been at Optus Oval for two weeks.
Carlton media manager Ian Coutts confirmed yesterday Croad had been told to take time off.
"He's having a rest," Coutts said.
"He's got a knee injury and he's had a few issues and we've said, 'Look, take a few weeks off and see how you go'.
"He hasn't been required to come into training or anything."
It is understood Croad has been managing his knee injury with cortisone injections since the pre-season.
He has also undergone reconstructions on both shoulders, one when he was playing with Oakleigh Chargers in the TAC Cup.
Former Oakleigh coach John Lamont said he was disappointed to hear Croad had walked out.
"He's probably an athlete first, like Trent," Lamont said.
"Great athletic qualities but didn't have that natural footy nous, I suppose . . . where to run and what to do at given times.
"He's got pace and a beautiful kick but being in Trent's shadow didn't help him."
Lamont said he doubted Croad was mentally tough enough to make it at AFL level.
"He's a terrific kid and a natural athlete but not a natural competitor," Lamont said.
