Jeremy Cameron has something to say ahead of his second crack at an AFL grand final: do not be offended if he does not reply to your good-luck messages.
The 29-year-old plans to take the build-up to his second showpiece a fair bit easier than the hectic lead-in to his first, three years ago.
The star Geelong forward was GWS' spearhead when the Giants suffered an 89-point MCG humiliation against Richmond in 2019.
Heading into Saturday's decider against Sydney, Cameron insists he will not be distracted as the text message notifications pile up.
"It was very unknown the first time, coming into it. I was a bit younger," he said.
"The little things throughout the week all build up. There's so many events you have to do, and how you're getting to the G and doing (media), sorting out tickets, replying to everyone.
"I replied to absolutely everyone throughout the week last time, which in itself ... actually takes a bit of a toll. So I will get back to everyone but it'll be probably after the grand final this year, hopefully celebrating.
"But there's little things like that that are real. They all add up.
"Last time I got to the game I was a little bit tired on the Friday beforehand. So I'll tweak a few little things."
While 2019 involved a flight from Sydney, staying in a hotel then heading to the MCG, Cameron plans to enjoy a level of normality on Saturday: sleeping at home in his own bed before driving to the game.
With his troublesome hamstring issues behind him, Cameron, who has kicked 63 goals this season, feels primed to deliver.
He moved to Geelong in late 2020 to be closer to home, but also to play in front of big crowds.
He enjoys both sides of the coin: revving up his own fans, and the back-and-forth with opposition supporters.
Cameron notably gave it back to Collingwood fans, cupping his ears when he kicked a key goal from the boundary, in the qualifying final win.
"I definitely like the big games for sure," he said.
"That's exactly why we play, we love that and you can't hide away from that.
"If you want to make a grand final, win a grand final, you can't not like it. You've got to embrace it. I love that.
"I love, firstly, the Geelong fans - they've been turning up in their thousands. But also I appreciate the opposition fans. That's something that I've missed with COVID.
"As a key forward, and any forward, you'd be lying if you said you didn't enjoy the (opposition) fans and celebrating with them."
