Cameron Nairn Draft Profile

Central DistrictForward/Wing

#28

Cameron Nairn

height: 188cm

weight:

D.O.B: 15-10-2007

Leagues: AFL U18 Championships

Snapshot
Analysis
Summary

SNAPSHOT: “A medium forward capable of playing above his height with terrific running capacity, overhead marking, and clinical finishing.” – Michael Alvaro

Most players have a single ‘pick me’ game that stands out in the minds of selectors and recruiters alike. In Cameron Nairn’s case, there are several. Arguably the best of the lot was his seven-goal showing against Western Australia during this year’s Under 18 National Championships. It was the performance which put Nairn’s name in the spotlight and propelled him into the first round conversation.

2025 marked the South Australian’s first season in the state program. He impressed with 22 goals for Central District last year, spanning across a run of 14 straight bottom-age appearances in the SANFL Under 18s. Nairn was part of the Bulldogs’ Grand Final team that year and went on to produce one of his earliest star turns, booting five majors in the annual SANFL Futures showcase game.

Nairn’s top-age campaign followed through on the promise he had shown. He again kicked 22 goals in Centrals colours, this time from 13 matches amid his representative commitments. In that time, he was held goalless just twice and bagged three hauls of four. Consecutive 30-disposal outings again made Nairn impossible to overlook for a promotion, this time into the Bulldogs’ Reserves side for a single appearance.

He managed 16 disposals, six inside 50s and a goal in that lone senior outing, marking a strong end to the season. His National Draft Combine invite then proved the cherry on top of his journey. Nairn grew up on a cattle and sheep farm in Freeling, around an hour from Adelaide. He found an early love for footy and supports the Crows, while modelling his game on the likes of Logan Morris and Ashton Moir.

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STRENGTHS:

+ Kicking
+ Leading patterns
+ Overhead marking
+ Running capacity
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Versatility

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Consistency
- Ground balls

Nairn offers a unique makeup in the medium forward role, capable of playing above his height but also covering serious ground and possessing slick foot skills. Most importantly, he impacts the scoreboard. Nairn's goalkicking record includes consecutive 22-goal SANFL Under 18 seasons, being held goalless just twice as a top-ager. And of course, no one could forget his seven-goal haul for South Australia at this year's National Championships.

Much of what makes Nairn such a reliable goalkicker is his deadeye finishing ability. He kicked 22.7 in Centrals colours this year, proving clinical in front of the big sticks from set shots, snaps, and open play attemps on a variety of angles. Further to his goalkicking accuracy, Nairn is a precise field kick and can hit targets heading inside 50 on his favoured left side. It means he can hurt the opposition both deep and high in the front half.

The two listed strengths of 'running capacity' and 'leading patterns' can essentially be rolled into one. Nairn showcased his endurance base at the National Draft Combine with a 6:13 2km time trial, good enough for fourth place. He leans on that when working up the ground, presenting on useful leads to be an effective connection piece up and down the line. He is also clever enough to work over his opponent out the back.

Another factor in Nairn's connective work is his aerial nous. He is not afraid to put his body on the line and clunks the ball one-touch overhead, which plays into becoming a mobile marking option who alleviates pressure on his side's tall targets. It also makes him a threat inside forward 50 to help produce his many scoring opportunities, which he normally converts with aplomb. He only needs a few touches to make an impact.

Perhaps an underrated weapon in Nairn's arsenal is his versatility. He is a dangerous forward whether deep or high, but also has traits applicable to the wing. He could even dip further into some midfield exposure with his running tank. His ability to accumulate marks all around the ground and make good use of each touch lends to spending more time up the ground, as a secondary option to his forward craft.

Having only spent one year in the state program, Nairn inevitable has plenty of room left for improvement. He can work on becoming more consistent from week to week, consistently hitting the scoreboard but proving a little up-and-down at times. His ground level game is another growth aerial, with Nairn typically a kick-mark type of player. Finding more ways to impact the game will only add to his value and versatility.

DRAFT RANGE: 20-30

SUMMARY:

Nairn’s breakout game at the National Championships well and truly put him on the first round radar, although recruiters sought to gain a greater sample size before locking in that assessment. It’s safe to say the South Australian has delivered and possesses a range of AFL traits, including his running power, sharp foot skills, and versatility. He will likely earn his berth at the top level as a medium forward but there is no reason he cannot become a modern day wingman, which adds to his appeal. Expect his name to be called out late on night one, or early on night two at the draft.