Cameron Pedersen
{{short description|Australian rules footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2015}}
{{Use Australian English|date=September 2015}}
{{Infobox AFL biography
| name = Cameron Pedersen
| image = Cameron Pedersen 2017.4.jpg
| caption = Pedersen playing for Melbourne in June 2017
| image_size = 200px
| fullname = Cameron Pedersen
| nickname =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|3|17|df=y}}
| birth_place =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| originalteam = {{VFL Box}} (VFL)
| draftpick = No. 17, 2011 rookie draft
| height = 193 cm
| weight = 95 kg
| position = Utility
| debutdate = Round 1, 2011
| debutteam = {{AFL NM}}
| debutopponent = {{AFL WC}}
| debutstadium = Patersons Stadium
| years1 = 2011–2012
| club1 = {{AFL NM}}
| games_goals1 = 16 (20)
| years2 = 2013–2018
| club2 = {{AFL Mel}}
| games_goals2 = 64 (50)
| games_goalstotal = 80 (70)
| statsend = 2018 season
| careerhighlights =
}}
Cameron Pedersen (born 17 March 1987) is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the {{AFL NM}} and the Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). A utility, {{convert|1.93|m|ftin}} tall and weighing {{convert|95|kg}}, Pedersen played the majority of his career in the forward line. After missing out on being drafted at eighteen years of age, he played five seasons in the Victorian Football League (VFL) for {{VFL Box}}. His form during the 2010 season led to him being recruited by the North Melbourne Football Club with the seventeenth selection in the 2011 rookie draft and he made his debut in the 2011 season. After two seasons with North Melbourne, playing in sixteen matches and winning the club's best first year player, he was traded to the Melbourne Football Club during the 2013 trade period.
Pre-AFL career
Pedersen played his junior career with the Mooroolbark Football Club in the Eastern Football League where he won the club best and fairest at sixteen years of age in 2003.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/curnow-hoping-for-a-second-chance-in-afl-20101206-18mu6.html|title=Curnow hoping for a second chance in AFL|last=Diamond|first=Brent|date=7 December 2010|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} After failing to be drafted, he joined the Box Hill Hawks in the Victorian Football League (VFL) in 2006,{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE110825K611H3EL4OQ|title=Roos' late bloomer seizes opportunity|last=Boulton|first=Martin|date=25 August 2011|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} playing in the forward line, he kicked thirty-five goals in 2009. In 2010, he was trialled as a defender and ruckman by Box Hill coach, Brendon Bolton, and he became a utility player, whereby he could play in multiple positions on the ground.{{cite news|url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/versatile-hawk-cameron-pedersen-chases-gold-coast-suns-spot/news-story/9ac1c24636e8ff78e6cf7401b6a52a9c|title=Versatile Hawk Cameron Pedersen chases Gold Coast Suns spot|last1=Windley|first1=Matt|last2=Smart|first2=Nick|date=5 December 2010|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}} In May 2010, he represented Victoria when he played for the VFL in a representative match against the West Australian Football League at Leederville Oval in Perth.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-hopes-put-to-the-test-in-state-clash-20100521-w1sm.html?deviceType=text|title=AFL hopes put to the test in state clash|last=Diamond|first=Brent|date=22 May 2010|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} After a successful season in the VFL, in which he played twenty matches and featured in the team's best players in ten matches,{{cite news|url=http://www.oakleighchargers.aflvic.com.au/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&pID=192115690&client=1-3020-111724-152941-14530620&ocompID=152941|title=Player Profile – Cameron Pedersen|year=2010|work=VFL.com.au|publisher=Fox Sports Pulse|access-date=14 February 2017}} he was invited to train with the Gold Coast Football Club in the week leading to the 2011 pre-season and 2011 rookie drafts.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2010-11-30/two-added-to-permission-to-train-squad-|title=Two added to permission to train squad|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=30 November 2010|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} It was predicted by The Age journalist, Brent Diamond, and Herald Sun journalists, Matt Windley and Nick Smart, that Pedersen would be recruited by Gold Coast in either the preseason or rookie draft.
AFL career
=2011–2012: Early career with North Melbourne=
After missing out on selection by the Gold Coast Football Club, Pedersen was recruited by the North Melbourne Football Club with their first selection and seventeenth overall in the 2011 rookie draft.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE101208CN5D05JDD7B|title=Pre-season Draft|date=8 December 2010|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} He was temporarily promoted to the senior list prior to the start of the season in place of Ayden Kennedy who was placed on the long-term injury list.{{cite news|url=http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/north-melbourne-to-field-four-debutants-against-west-coast-in-round-1/news-story/7c0fa3dee2eac8551295dfd84782e8df|title=North Melbourne to field four debutants against West Coast in Round 1|author=Australian Associated Press|date=24 March 2011|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}} He made his AFL debut in the opening round of the 2011 season against {{AFL WC}} at Patersons Stadium where he recorded twenty disposals, fourteen hitouts, five marks, four clearances and three tackles.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/afl-round-one-teams-20110324-1c8ej.html|title=AFL round one teams|date=24 March 2011|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} After Todd Goldstein was a late withdrawal for North Melbourne, Pedersen was forced to play as the main ruckman against six-time All-Australian ruckman, Dean Cox.{{cite news|url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/afl/mark-lecras-injured-but-west-coast-sneaks-home-against-kangaroos/news-story/9275a50a91d5789e3685d9bfb0cc648b|title=Mark LeCras injured but West Coast sneaks home against Kangaroos|last=Washbourne|first=Michael|date=27 March 2011|work=Perth Now|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}} Conceding ten centimeters in height to Cox, Pedersen had the advantage in the ruckman duel and was North Melbourne's "Mr fix-it" according to The Age journalist, Tim Clarke.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE110328H26GC7LPRJG|title=Eagles' victory soured|last=Clarke|first=Tim|date=28 March 2011|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}}
Despite receiving praise for his performance in his debut match,{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/debutants-young-and-old-look-at-home-in-the-afl-20110328-1cd08.html|title=Debutants, young and old, look at home in the AFL|last=Brodie|first=Will|date=28 March 2011|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} he was omitted for the round two match against {{AFL Col}} at Etihad Stadium for the returning Todd Goldstein.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE110401H07DA3DE4NJ|title=Proven stars bolster Cats|last=Boulton|first=Martin|date=1 April 2011|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} He was recalled to the side for the sixty-six point loss to {{AFL Gee}} at Skilled Stadium in round seven.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE1105075V6J63VE89P|title=Kangaroos lose Hansen|author=Australian Associated Press|date=7 May 2011|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} He was omitted from the side the next week for the round eight match against {{AFL Mel}} at Etihad Stadium; playing in the VFL for {{VFL Wer}}, he kicked eight goals against the Northern Bullants in round eight of the VFL.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=SAG110522O170T6UQ35S|title=Pedersen kicks eight in Werribee goal blitz|last=Diamond|first=Brent|date=22 May 2011|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} He returned to the AFL side the next week for the forty-seven point win against {{AFL Ade}} at Etihad Stadium in round eleven.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE1106046KOTD15UP3N|title=Blues recall Curnow and give Tuohy a shot|author=Australian Associated Press|date=4 June 2011|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} He played every match for the remainder of the year, kicking eighteen goals in total, including three in a match on three separate occasions. His debut season was "excellent" according to The Age reporter, Emma Quayle,{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=SAG110821101P51J6BQ9|title=Injury-hit Dockers fading fast|last=Quayle|first=Emma|date=21 August 2011|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} and he was rewarded with North Melbourne's best first year player award.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE111006AR36Q1AAUS8|title=Wells, Swallow share medal|last=Murnane|first=Matt|date=6 October 2011|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} Furthermore, his performances during the year saw him sign a two-year contract extension{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/north-melbourne-re-sign-rookie-revelation-cameron-pederson/news-story/b0bb660a4f894f17f8cfcc968bf02065|title=North Melbourne re-sign rookie revelation Cameron Pederson|last=Clark|first=Jay|date=3 August 2011|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}} and he was elevated to the senior list after just the one year on the rookie list.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE111020H26CN6H6RR0|title=Roos to foot Urquhart bill|last=Niall|first=Jake|date=20 October 2011|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}}
After playing in pre-season matches in the 2012 NAB Cup,{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE120216BR64T5LB6C0|title=Fit Roos hope to get hop on opposition|last=Quayle|first=Emma|date=16 February 2012|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} Pedersen didn't play his first home and away season match until the twenty-five point loss to West Coast at Patersons Stadium in round six.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE1205059B76M6B5R57|title=Warnock hurt, so no rest for Kreuzer|last1=Hand|first1=Guy|last2=Lienert|first2=Sam|date=5 May 2012|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} He played just the one match before he was omitted from the side and returned to the senior side a week later for the two-point loss against {{AFL PA}} at AAMI Stadium in round eight as a late inclusion,{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/news/check-out-all-the-ins-and-outs-for-round-eight-of-the-2012-afl-premiership-season-as-they-are-announced/news-story/f2ccac89c9dbed43588bf962ddd1caa3|title=Check out all the ins and outs for round eight of the 2012 AFL premiership season as they are announced|date=17 May 2012|work=Fox Sports Australia|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}} before being dropped again after the one match.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE120526BC4QP34CPHF|title=Football Shorts|date=26 May 2012|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} He did not play any more matches in the AFL for the remainder of the season, and instead played in the VFL. He had strong form in the VFL,{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE1206185D1KV68UN79|title=First goals for Ablett|last=Diamond|first=Brent|date=18 June 2012|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=SAG120624H63N16B4KRJ|title=Blues' Laidler injures knee in comeback VFL match|last=Diamond|first=Brent|date=24 June 2012|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} and North Melbourne senior coach, Brad Scott, declared that, although Pedersen was playing well in the VFL and he was close to selection each week, competition for spots made it difficult for him to gain a position in the senior side.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE120726KB1DJ5ADS8K|title=McIntosh to fight for spot|last=Quayle|first=Emma|date=26 July 2012|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} After playing in just two matches for the year and sixteen in total for North Melbourne, he was traded to the Melbourne Football Club during the trade period.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/jordan-gysberts-and-cam-pedersen-switch-clubs/news-story/ce7a54b8b4c7fadfd0449563588a96a4|title=Jordan Gysberts and Cam Pedersen switch clubs|last=Landsberger|first=Sam|date=26 October 2012|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}} Despite being contracted to North Melbourne until the end of the 2013 season, he cited the opportunity to play more senior matches as the key reason for his move to Melbourne.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/cameron-pedersen-has-landed-at-melbourne/news-story/99856aa77fa85eef41321f7b6454a54f|title=Cameron Pedersen has landed at Melbourne|last=Windley|first=Matt|date=28 October 2012|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}}
=2013–2016: Move to Melbourne=
After playing every pre-season match for Melbourne in the 2013 NAB Cup,{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2013-02-22/pedersen-relishes-first-run-with-dees|title=Pedersen relishes first run with Dees|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=22 February 2013|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 February 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE130304DG7B17Q6OMI|title=Youngsters fire up battle of the battlers|last=Porter|first=Ashley|date=3 March 2013|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} he played his first home and away season match for Melbourne in the seventy-nine point loss to Port Adelaide at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the opening round of the season,{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/2013-round-one-afl-teams-20130321-2giol.html|title=2013 round one AFL teams|date=29 March 2013|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} playing in a forward/ruck role.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE130301E168T2JEE8Q|title=Up to eight new Demons for opening round|last=Niall|first=Jake|date=1 March 2013|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} In the match, he was criticised for ducking when backing back to take a mark; he was omitted from the side the next week for the match against {{AFL Ess}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which then-senior coach, Mark Neeld, stated the ducking incident was not the cause of his omission.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-04-05/pedersens-inconsistency-cost-him|title=Pedersen not dropped because he ducked: Neeld|last=Ryan|first=Peter|date=5 April 2013|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 February 2017}} After one week in the VFL playing for the Casey Scorpions, he returned to the senior side for the ninety-four point loss to West Coast at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in round three.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE130412F657E7LPRQN|title=Watts a casualty as Demons wield axe|last=Murnane|first=Matt|date=12 April 2013|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} He played in the AFL for three weeks before he was dropped for the round six match against {{AFL Car}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2013-05-02/kent-to-debut-but-jamar-out-injured|title=Kent to debut, but Jamar out injured|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=2 May 2013|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 February 2017}}
Pedersen returned to the senior side for the ninety-five point loss to {{AFL Haw}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in round ten{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2013/10/melb-v-haw|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607220543/http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2013/10/melb-v-haw|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 June 2013|title=Blowtorch on Neeld as Hawks dominate|last=Macgugan|first=Mark|date=2 June 2013|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 February 2017}} and played the next two matches before he was dropped for the match against the {{AFL WB}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in round fourteen.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/round-14-afl-teams-north-melbourne-recalls-jack-ziebell-and-robbie-tarrant/news-story/7abd983b3d57325d3f5c5b97abe2e55f|title=Round 14 AFL teams: North Melbourne recalls Jack Ziebell and Robbie Tarrant|last=Gardiner|first=Gilbert|date=28 June 2013|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}} His inability to maintain a position in the team led to The Age report, Jon Pierik, state that he had little impact on the field to that point.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=AGE130529M02SI3N5TPG|title=Struggling clubs 'need $2m each'|last=Pierik|first=Jon|date=29 May 2013|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} He was recalled to the AFL side for the 122-point loss to North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2013/18/melb-v-nmfc|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130716022312/http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2013/18/melb-v-nmfc|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 July 2013|title=Swallow hurt as Roos blow Demons away|last=Bowen|first=Nick|date=27 July 2013|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 February 2017}} and in his second match back, he played his best match of the year in the thirty-seven point loss to {{AFL GWS}}, in which he recorded twenty-three disposals, seven marks and a goal, and was named in Melbourne's best players.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=SAG130804L07HV6B8IQ6|title=Sheedy directs Giant step in right direction|last=Sygall|first=David|date=4 August 2013|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} He missed the round twenty match against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium due to a stomach bug,{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=SHD130811436P57OMNUF|title=Suns victorious Gold Coast 13.12 (90) Melbourne 10.17 (77)|date=11 August 2013|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} and returned for his final match of the year in the sixty-eight point loss against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium in round twenty-two and finished with ten matches for the year.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/check-out-whos-in-and-whos-out-ahead-of-another-action-packed-round-of-football/news-story/da86bfe3384b087260a8ff2bc083c353|title=Check out who's in and who's out ahead of another action packed round of football|date=22 August 2013|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}}
Despite suffering from a hamstring injury in the weeks leading to the 2014 season,{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/how-your-club-fared-in-the-nab-challenge-20140302-33u3b.html|title=How your club fared in the NAB Challenge|last=Murnane|first=Matt|date=2 March 2014|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} Pedersen played in the opening round match against {{AFL StK}} at Etihad Stadium, resulting in a seventeen-point loss.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/2014-afl-round-one-teams-20140313-hviem.html|title=2014 AFL round one teams|date=20 March 2014|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} He was used as a permanent key-forward,{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=ILL1403218329C52P65F|title=Desperate Demons look to defy Etihad hoodoo|last=Woods|first=Melissa|date=21 March 2014|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} and played pivotal roles in the round four win over Carlton – in which he kicked a goal with two minutes left to secure the win{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/demons-give-carlton-the-blues-hawks-smash-suns-port-crushes-lions-cats-chase-off-eagles/news-story/5a1dfc1d9fd790e4659cf0e8c39cb570|title=Demons give Carlton the blues, Hawks smash Suns, Port crushes Lions, Cats chase off Eagles|author=Australian Associated Press|date=12 April 2014|work=The Australian|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}} – and the round nine victory against {{AFL Ric}}, where he recorded two goals and a game-high eight tackles.{{cite news|url=http://newsstore.fairfax.com.au/apps/viewDocument.ac?docID=SAG140518Q1SU45ILGFV|title=Dees bask in memorable win|last=Hanlon|first=Peter|date=18 May 2014|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} He maintained a spot in the AFL side until the round twenty match against Hawthorn{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/2014-round-20-afl-teams-20140807-3day5.html|title=2014 round 20 AFL teams|date=8 August 2014|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} and he played in the VFL for two weeks until he was recalled for the sixty-six point loss to West Coast at Patersons Stadium in round twenty-two.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/2014-afl-round-22-teams-20140821-3e3ey.html|title=2014 AFL round 22 teams|date=21 August 2014|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} He missed the final match of the year against North Melbourne and played nineteen matches for the year in total.{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/2014-afl-round-23-teams-20140828-3ei1w.html|title=2014 AFL round 23 teams|date=29 August 2014|work=The Age|publisher=Fairfax Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} It was revealed during the season that his career was all but over at the end of 2013, with his output not matching the club's expectations; he credited this frank assessment of his first season as a key reason behind his turnaround in form.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-06-07/pedersens-stunning-turnaround|title='They said they weren't fussed if I was here or not'|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=7 June 2014|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 February 2017}} He also acknowledged senior coach, Paul Roos' influence as another key reason for his improvement and he was recognised as one of the league's most improved players.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/melbourne/melbourne-players-speak-of-influence-new-coach-paul-roos-has-had-on-them-and-playing-group/news-story/5a32e37aec459a4095f805da69570c6c|title=Melbourne players speak of influence new coach Paul Roos has had on them and playing group|last=Ralph|first=Jon|date=8 June 2014|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2014-10-10/pedersen-rides-the-cultfigure-wave|title=Pedersen rides the cult-figure wave|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=10 October 2014|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 February 2017}}
Pedersen played his first match of the 2015 season in the sixty-eight point loss to {{AFL Fre}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in round five.{{cite news|url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/afl/a/27470769/afl-teams-round-five-goodes-vickery-chaplin-named/#page1|title=AFL Teams: Round Five|date=30 April 2015|work=Yahoo7|publisher=Seven West Media|access-date=14 February 2017}} He retained his spot the next week for the thirty-eight point loss to {{AFL Syd}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, however, he was substituted out of the match.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-05-09/swans-win-but-at-what-cost|title=Heeney injured as first-half blitz powers Swans over Dees|last=King|first=Travis|date=9 May 2015|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 February 2017}} He was initially omitted for the match against Hawthorn the next week,{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/round-7-afl-teams-2015-james-frawley-returns-jack-watts-dropped-carlton-and-richmond-swing-axe/news-story/1116e7a6c36eb6db67f81d48b57fc43e|title=Round 7 AFL teams 2015: James Frawley returns, Jack Watts dropped, Carlton and Richmond swing axe|date=15 May 2015|work=Fox Sports Australia|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}} but was a late inclusion for Jesse Hogan, where he kicked three goals and was named in Melbourne's best players by Rob Forsaith of the Australian Associated Press.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-05-16/hawks-show-demons-no-mercy-in-mcg-mauling|title=Hawks show Demons no mercy in MCG mauling|last=Forsaith|first=Rob|date=16 May 2015|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 February 2017}} He retained a spot in the side for the next four weeks and played his final match of the year in the round eleven match against St Kilda, in which he suffered a season-ending injury breaking his wrist.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-06-16/pedersen-grimes-join-melbournes-growing-injury-list-|title=Pedersen, Grimes add to Dees' injury toll|last=Guthrie|first=Ben|date=16 June 2015|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 February 2017}} Being the final year of his contract, it was questioned by Herald Sun journalist, Jay Clark, whether Pedersen had done enough to earn a new contract;{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-trades-2015-melbourne-needs-to-find-support-for-jesse-hogan/news-story/404aa6970cfed915638e31ca7895cae8|title=AFL trades 2015: Melbourne needs to find support for Jesse Hogan|last=Clark|first=Jay|date=17 September 2015|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}} it was announced in late September that he had signed a one-year contract.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2015-09-24/pedersen-signs-on-for-2016|title=Pedersen signs on for 2016|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=24 September 2015|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 February 2017}}
Pedersen played in the two point win against Greater Western Sydney at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the opening round of the 2016 season{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/footy-form/afl-teams-full-squads-for-round-1/news-story/410f151d56cc4cba8ebcb4a18b7b7918|title=AFL teams: Full squads for Round 1|date=25 March 2016|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}} and retained his spot the next week before being omitted for the round three match against North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena.{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-teams-round-3-2016-jeremy-howe-chris-masten-ben-mcglynn-liam-shiels-could-return/news-story/01550696c5c78042ac1180d05a3efece|title=AFL teams Round 3, 2016: Jeremy Howe, Chris Masten, Liam Shiels named to return, Jeff Garlett injured|date=8 April 2016|work=Fox Sports Australia|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}} He spent the week playing in the VFL for Casey and recorded twenty-five disposals and two goals and was named in Casey's best players by Frankston Standard Leader reporter, Paul Amy.{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/localfooty/vfl/melbournes-young-guns-fire-in-thumping-of-frankston-in-vfl-seasonopener/news-story/67d265d1a1246d2f29648c6e2a920112|title=Melbourne's young guns fire in thumping of Frankston in VFL season-opener|last=Amy|first=Paul|date=11 April 2016|work=Frankston Standard Leader|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}} He returned to the AFL side the next week for the thirty-three point win over Richmond at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in round five{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/footy-form/afl-round-4-teams-get-the-full-lineups-and-get-supercoach-latest/news-story/e84932c8f9cbc89092eae9988c502c37|title=AFL Round 5 teams: get the full line-ups and get SuperCoach latest|date=21 April 2016|work=Herald Sun|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}} and stayed in the side for five weeks before missing the round nine match against {{AFL BL2}} at the Melbourne Cricket Ground due to illness.{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-teams-round-9-all-of-the-ins-and-outs-this-weekend-supercoach-late-changes-injuries/news-story/480072061846dd5be605e01d09c49566|title=AFL Teams Round 9: All of the ins and outs this weekend, SuperCoach late changes, injuries|date=20 May 2016|work=Fox Sports Australia|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}} He missed two weeks of football before playing in the VFL where he suffered a shoulder injury and missed four weeks.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2016-07-05/wagner-a-good-chance-to-return|title=Wagner a good chance to return|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=5 July 2016|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 February 2017}} He returned through the VFL, playing there for four weeks before returning to the AFL side for the twenty-nine point win against Hawthorn at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in round twenty as a late inclusion for Jesse Hogan.{{cite news|url=http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-08-06/match-report-fierce-dees-stun-ladderleading-hawks|title=Match report: Fierce Dees stun ladder-leading Hawks|last=Ryan|first=Peter|date=6 August 2016|work=AFL.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 February 2017}} He played his final match for the year the next week in the forty point win over Port Adelaide at the Adelaide Oval and finished with nine matches for the year. With Melbourne's forward line considered difficult to break into, he was believed to be in competition with fellow forward Chris Dawes for a spot on the list in 2017 by Fox Sport Australia journalists, Riley Beveridge and Anna Harrington,{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/the-players-that-clubs-out-of-finals-contention-need-to-make-a-call-on-in-the-last-month-of-the-season/news-story/4260650452e833470465759637768d45|title=The players that clubs out of finals contention need to make a call on in the last month of the season|last1=Beveridge|first1=Riley|last2=Harrington|first2=Anna|date=1 August 2016|work=Fox Sports Australia|publisher=News Corp Australia|access-date=14 February 2017}} and at the conclusion of the year he signed a one-year contract.{{cite news|url=http://www.melbournefc.com.au/news/2016-10-06/pedersen-inks-new-oneyear-deal|title=Pedersen inks new one-year deal|last=Burgan|first=Matt|date=6 October 2016|work=MelbourneFC.com.au|publisher=Bigpond|access-date=14 February 2017}}
=2017–2018: Career best season and retirement=
Following a hamstring injury to reigning All-Australian ruck Max Gawn and a shoulder injury to replacement Jake Spencer, Pederson was called up to the senior side after spending the first five weeks in the VFL to play as an undersized ruckman. Until the return of Gawn in round 14, Pederson played the best football of his career despite being matched against much larger adversaries such as Ben McEvoy, Sam Jacobs and Todd Goldstein.
Pederson announced his retirement on 25 September 2018 after 64 games with Melbourne and 16 with North Melbourne.
Statistics
{{AFL player statistics legend}}
{{AFL player statistics start}}
|- style="background-color: #EAEAEA"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2011
|{{AFL NM}}
| 39 || 14 || 18 || 5 || 132 || 59 || 191 || 74 || 34 || 1.3 || 0.4 || 9.4 || 4.2 || 13.6 || 5.3 || 2.4
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2012
|{{AFL NM}}
| 39 || 2 || 2 || 1 || 15 || 7 || 22 || 10 || 4 || 1.0 || 0.5 || 7.5 || 3.5 || 11.0 || 5.0 || 2.0
|- style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2013
|{{AFL Mel}}
| 21 || 10 || 5 || 2 || 66 || 69 || 135 || 57 || 23 || 0.5 || 0.2 || 6.6 || 6.9 || 13.5 || 5.7 || 2.3
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2014
|{{AFL Mel}}
| 21 || 19 || 14 || 9 || 136 || 118 || 254 || 82 || 58 || 0.7 || 0.5 || 7.2 || 6.2 || 13.4 || 4.3 || 3.1
|- style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2015
|{{AFL Mel}}
| 21 || 7 || 6 || 6 || 46 || 42 || 88 || 37 || 18 || 0.9 || 0.9 || 6.6 || 6.0 || 12.6 || 5.3 || 2.6
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2016
|{{AFL Mel}}
| 21 || 9 || 6 || 7 || 61 || 66 || 127 || 38 || 16 || 0.7 || 0.8 || 6.8 || 7.3 || 14.1 || 4.2 || 1.8
|- style="background:#eaeaea;"
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2017
|{{AFL Mel}}
| 21 || 15 || 16 || 8 || 119 || 124 || 243 || 73 || 53 || 1.1 || 0.5 || 7.9 || 8.3 || 16.2 || 4.9 || 3.5
|-
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2018
|{{AFL Mel}}
| 21 || 4 || 3 || 1 || 21 || 19 || 40 || 10 || 11 || 0.8 || 0.3 || 5.3 || 4.8 || 10.0 || 2.5 || 2.8
|- class="sortbottom"
! colspan=3| Career
! 80
! 70
! 39
! 596
! 504
! 1100
! 381
! 217
! 0.9
! 0.5
! 7.5
! 6.3
! 13.8
! 4.8
! 2.7
|}
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{AFL Tables|ref=C/Cameron_Pedersen.html}}
- {{Twitter|id=CamPedda87}}
{{2011 AFL rookie draft}}
{{2011 AFL national draft}}
{{Box Hill All-Stars}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pedersen, Cameron}}
Category:Australian rules footballers from Victoria (state)
Category:North Melbourne Football Club players
Category:Melbourne Football Club players
Category:Box Hill Football Club players