Brisbane Lions fans could be set for a shock change to their match day experience after crowd favourite Charlie Cameron revealed he is considering abandoning his iconic goal song.
Cameron has become synonymous with John Denver's 'Take Me Home, Country Roads', which has rung out after every one of his goals. Fans have often serenaded the player in response, continuing the acapella rendition long after play has resumed.
The decision to play personalised songs after goals has been a polarising issue among AFL supporters, but the Lions have fully embraced the tradition. The strongest evidence of this has been the overwhelming crowd participation following every Charlie Cameron goal.
However, it seems the star forward has finally had enough of the iconic track and is seeking a new way to celebrate scoring. Speaking to reporters after Brisbane's latest win, Cameron was asked by Erin Phillips, 'Are you ever going to get sick of hearing your song, Country Roads?'
Cameron's reply will not be popular among many Lions fans. 'I think I might change it this year. I think it's run its course,' he said. 'But yeah, like I said, great crowd tonight. It's (been) raining all weekend, so I was a bit worried about this many people coming out tonight, so yeah, I think it was 32,000. It's a good Sunday afternoon game. Kids have come along as well.'
The roar of the crowd after Cameron has scored has consistently impressed commentators, and that was no different on Sunday. 'It's a big choir, isn't it? It continues to roll,' Hamish McLachlan remarked after Cameron's fourth goal.
The announcement that he is considering a change has divided fans on social media. One wrote on X, 'He better be joking 'cause I'll cry.' Another added, 'Absolutely not. Don't you dare Charlie.' However, a large number believe it is time for a change. 'It's well and truly run its course, what, are we all 12 years old?' one fan commented. Another said, 'It's a great song and the atmosphere is incredible when everyone is singing it. I can understand him getting sick of it though.'
Others expressed dissatisfaction with goal songs in general. 'Songs after goals are just stupid,' one post read. Another stated, 'Every song after a goal has run its course. Thankful that Port Adelaide have said categorically that they will NOT play songs after goals are kicked.'
Like it or not, goal songs appear to be here for the long run at the Gabba, but fans may be forced to learn new lyrics should Cameron go through with his suggestion.
