Three-time Essendon leading goalkicker Stewart Crameri could spend time outside the 50m arc as he relishes a fresh AFL start under mentor Brendan McCartney at the Western Bulldogs.
The forward was unveiled as the Bulldogs’ key off-season recruit on Monday, giving his relationship with McCartney as a key reason to change clubs.
“He was pretty adamant he wanted me at the Bulldogs at the start of the year, I guess I was a little bit chuffed and I appreciate he showed so much interest,” said Crameri.
“I think next year we’re only going to get better at the Bulldogs.
“We might make the top eight, we’re going to focus on winning a few games.”
Bulldogs coach McCartney worked with the 25-year-old Crameri as Essendon’s forward coach in 2011, establishing him as a key attacking target for the Bombers.
However, despite the need for goals – the Bulldogs averaged just 85 points a game this season – he said McCartney had discussed moving around the field in 2014.
“I could play other roles as well, and Brendan suggested maybe midfield, off the back flank if the chance comes,” he said.
“I don’t want to play there fulltime, I think maybe just five minutes in some quarters just to change it up a bit.
“I think I can do that, I’ve always had the ability to run alright so that will just come naturally with hard training.”
Crameri’s four-year deal, estimated to be worth $1.8 million, was one of the off-season’s longest running trade sagas.
He wasted no time in signalling his intent to head to Whitten Oval but it was not until the penultimate day of the AFL’s trade period that the deal was done, with the Bombers accepting the Dogs’ initial offer of pick 26.
Crameri dismissed the effects of the Bombers’ tumultuous season as a factor in the move but admitted he was looking forward to starting again.
“Things happened this year at Essendon that were blown out of proportion a fair bit, the players were fine,” he said.
“This was just based purely on what’s best for my football, my football development.
“A lot of people need a fresh start.”
