Cameron's lawyer Adrian Anderson turned to maths to explain how rare it was for a player to have played more than 200 games before facing the ban. Anderson said less than one per cent of AFL players reached that level of experience and about half of them already have one or more game bans at this point.
Character references, including one from former Adelaide and Carlton champion Eddie Betts, also worked in Cameron's favour.
They helped his case, Gleeson said.
“He (Cameron) is a role model with an impressive career in the AFL, that's something to aspire to for those he connects with,” Gleeson said.
“These issues are not irrelevant when we come to exercise our discretion with respect to a first suspensible offense, where no injury has been suffered, and it has been intentional or grossly negligent.
“Outstanding or compelling means what it says.
“It will be a rare case where all the circumstances combine to give rise to an exercise of discretion to lower a penalty. This is such a case.”
During his evidence, Cameron tried to minimize the scope of his actions to seek the initial reduction of medium to low impact. This reclassification would have meant a fine for him, instead of relying on the leniency of the court.
“I felt like I was fighting the tackle. I spun to my right … falling back with momentum,” Cameron said.
“I felt like I wasn't in control when I was falling back … Jake weighs 94, 95 kilos. I don't think there was enough strength for him to pull his head off the ground like that.
“It's hard to stop momentum when they're both down. I don't agree that it's medium impact. I felt it was enough to set up before his head hit the ground.”
The exact figure for Cameron's fine is still being determined.
Demon van Rooyen signs for four more
AAP
Melbourne fans' favorite Jacob van Rooyen has signed a four-year contract extension with the AFL club.
The 21-year-old, who was already locked up for next season, agreed terms on Tuesday, with the new deal taking his tenure until at least the end of 2029.
The extension follows an impressive three years for the key forward, who won a maiden VFL title in his first season at the club, and also made an immediate impression at senior level.
The 194cm van Rooyen was last year named best young player at Melbourne's best and fairest awards ceremony.
Originally from Perth, van Rooyen became a demon when he was selected at No. 19 in the 2021 national draft.
After making his debut in 2022, van Rooyen quickly established himself as a cult hero, with Demon fans chanting “Roo” when he touches the ball.
He has played 26 games for the Demons, scoring 36 goals along the way.
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Melbourne list manager Tim Lamb said the contract extension was great news for the Red and Blues.
“Jacob has applied himself immensely since arriving at the club, and we are continually impressed by his attitude and willingness to learn,” said Lamb.
“He is a much-loved character, both within the club and among our members and supporters, and at just 21 years of age he has an exciting future ahead of him.”
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